| A | B |
|---|
| criminalistics | the examination of physical evidence; can be used interchangeably with forensics |
| forensic science | the study and application of science to matters of law |
| evidence | anything that tends to establish or disprove a fact. Evidence can include documents, testimony, and other objects. |
| ballistics | the science that deals with the motion, behavior, and effects of projectiles, most often firearms and bullets. |
| odontology | examination of bite marks and dental identification of corpses |
| pathology | investigation of sudden, unexplained, or violent death |
| entomology | the study of insects |
| palynology | the study of pollen and spores |
| polygraphy | the use of the lie detector |
| statutory law | legislative acts declaring, commanding, or prohibiting something |
| case law or common law | the body of law made up of judicial opinions and precedents |
| stare decisis (Latin) | "to stand by the decision" meaning previous legal decisions are to be followed |
| civil law | deals with noncriminal suits brought to protect or preserve a civil or private right or matter. |
| criminal law | regulation and enforcement of rights setting the acceptable limits of conduct in a society |
| misdemeanor | a minor crime, less than a felony,usually punished with a fine or confinement other than in prison. |
| felony | a serious crime such as murder, punishable by more than one year of imprisonment up to execution. |
| probable cause | situation in which a reasonable and prudent person, viewing the available information, would conclude that a crime has been committed and that the suspect committed it. |
