Forensic Science Vocabulary

Forensic Science

The scientific procedures used to solve crimes

Crime Scene

The place where a crime was committed

Victim

A person harmed, injured or killed as a result of a crime

WitnessesPeople who can offer information about what happened before, during and after a crime

Suspects

People who investigators believe may have committed a crime

Pathologist

A doctor who examines dead bodies to find out the cause of death

Autopsy

An examination of a dead body to find out the cause of death

Physical EvidenceObjects found at the scene of the crime such as fingerprints and footprints

Eyewitness Testimony

An account of events told by a witness

DNA(Deoxyribonucleic acid)A substance that carries genetic information

DNA ProfilingMatching genetic information taken from a body or crime scene with DNA samples from a suspect

Perpetrator

The person who committed a crime