Forensic Investigation Terms
Forensic investigations rely on specialized fields to analyze evidence. Criminalists examine physical evidence that might establish facts about a crime. When investigating deaths, pathology determines causes of unexplained or violent deaths, while odontology examines bite marks and identifies corpses through dental records. Other specialized fields include entomology (study of insects), palynology (study of pollen), and ballistics (examining firearms and projectile behavior).
Understanding legal frameworks is crucial in forensics. Criminal law sets acceptable conduct limits in society, while civil law deals with non-criminal matters protecting private rights. Legal violations range from infractions (minor law violations not punishable by prison) to misdemeanors (minor crimes usually punished by fines) and felonies (serious crimes punishable by more than a year in prison).
Legal proceedings follow specific steps after a crime. After arrest, suspects undergo booking, where their information, photo, and fingerprints are recorded. Police must read suspects their Miranda rights, informing them of their right to remain silent and have an attorney. During arraignment, defendants hear charges and enter pleas, possibly paying bail to guarantee court appearance or entering a nolo contendere plea (neither admitting nor denying the crime).
💡 Real-world application: When you watch crime shows, notice how they follow these legal procedures—from booking suspects to reading Miranda rights—which are constitutional protections that apply in actual criminal cases.