OSAC Lexicon
The OSAC Lexicon is a compendium of forensic science terms and definitions. This terminology tool was created to help bring consistency and understanding to the way terms are used by the various forensic science. Use of the OSAC Lexicon does not replace the need to reference the original published source.
The terms and definitions in the OSAC Lexicon come from the published literature, including documentary standards and technical reports. It is continually updated with the latest work from OSAC units, as well as terms from newly published documentary standards and standards elevated to the OSAC Registry.
Gradually terms are evaluated and harmonized by the OSAC to a single term. This process results in an OSAC Preferred Term. An OSAC Preferred Term is a term, along with its definition, that has undergone review and evaluation by the FSSB Terminology Task Group and has been approved by the FSSB. The FSSB recommends that subcommittees use OSAC Preferred Terms when drafting standards.
The OSAC Lexicon should be the primary resource for terminology and used when drafting and editing forensic science standards and other OSAC work products.
Additional related image, audio, or waveform data in support of a biometric record.
A schedule of reinforcement where every occurrence of the behavior is reinforced.
An article or substance that is prohibited by law or regulation within a specific area.
Material of established origin used to evaluate the performance of a test or comparison. Or A test performed to demonstrate that a test method works correctly and to ensure that data are valid. Positive controls confirm that the procedure will produce the expected result. Negative controls confirm that the procedure does not produce an unintended result.
Also referenced in ANSI/ASB 017 Standard Practices for Measurement Traceability in Forensic Toxicology,
ANSI/Academy Standards Board (ASB), Crime Scene/Death Investigation - Dogs and Sensors - Terms and Definitions, ANSI/ASB 056 Standard for Evaluation of Measurement Uncertainty in Forensic Toxicology ANSI/ASB 046 Wildlife Forensics Validation Standards—STR Analysis.
A presumed non-coding portion of the mitochondrial DNA molecule analyzed through DNA sequencing, which may be used to determine an individual's mitochondrial haplotype or for taxonomic discrimination. The control region often contains hypervariable regions (in humans: HV1 and HV2) that differ in sequence among non-maternally related individuals. The control region encompasses the D-loop region in humans and other species.
A presumed non-coding portion of the mitochondrial DNA molecule analyzed through DNA sequencing, which may be used to determine an individual's mitochondrial haplotype or for taxonomic discrimination. The control region often contains hypervariable regions (in humans: HV1 and HV2) that differ in sequence among non-maternally related individuals. The control region encompasses the D-loop region in humans and other species.
Experiments performed to establish the necessary controls for each procedure, the frequency with which the controls should be performed (e.g., concurrently, daily, before use, etc.) and the performance expectations for each control.
The training of a canine to obey certain commands while working around people.
The training of an animal, especially a canine, to obey certain commands while working around a target person in protective gear.
An experiment/training/testing exercise in which any defined variable(s) is consistent within specific parameters.
An experiment/training/testing exercise in which any defined variable(s) is consistent within specific parameters.
An experiment/training/testing exercise in which any defined variable(s) is consistent within specific parameters.
An experiment/training/testing exercise in which any defined variable(s) is consistent within specific parameters.
An experiment/training/testing exercise in which any defined variable(s) is consistent within specific parameters.
An experiment/training/testing exercise in which any defined variable(s) is consistent within specific parameters.
Samples of known type, run in parallel with experimental, reference, or evidence samples that are used to demonstrate that a procedure is working correctly.
Samples of known types, run in parallel with experimental, reference, or evidence samples that are used to demonstrate that a procedure is working correctly. Controls include negative samples (no template DNA) and positive samples.
Samples of known types, run in parallel with experimental, reference, or evidence samples that are used to demonstrate that a procedure is working correctly.
Heat transfer by circulation within a medium such as a gas or a liquid.
Irregularity or abnormality of the cornea, the clear outermost layer of the eye.
Irregularity or abnormality of the cornea, the clear outermost layer of the eye.
An elected or appointed official whose duty is to oversee medicolegal death investigations, usually for a single county, and ensure certification of cause and manner of death; duties vary based on local enabling statutes.
An elected or appointed official responsible for overseeing medicolegal death investigations, usually for a single county, and for certifying the cause and manner of death in these investigations; duties vary based on local enabling statutes.
The application of an aversive stimulus intended to prompt the canine to cease undesired behavior using verbal reprimand, choke collar (slip)/check chain, prong collar, remote trainer, etc.
Action to eliminate or mitigate the cause of a non-conformity and to prevent recurrence. NOTE A corrective action is taken to prevent recurrence whereas a preventive action is taken to prevent occurrence.
A training course of action to remediate performance deficiencies with a canine team.
A training course of action to remediate performance deficiencies with a canine team.
A training course of action to remediate performance deficiencies with a canine team.
A training course of action to remediate performance deficiencies with a canine team.
A correlation is an association between two variables, when the variables are related. Correlation does not imply cause.
(see 2.35 undetermined)
The analysis of specimens from subjects within the judicial system or part of an active investigation to determine the presence or absence of drugs or other chemical substances.
The tendency of a material to move or deform permanently to relieve stresses.