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.
The questioning of a witness by the party that has called that witness to give evidence, in order to support the case that is being made.
The route in which a subject laid a trail as indicated by the canine.
The route in which a subject laid a trail as indicated by the canine.
The control a canine handler has over the canine during a search whereby the canine handler directs the canine into productive search areas by utilizing hand or voice cues.
A dissimilarity, or an accumulation of dissimilarities, that is deemed to be outside of expected variations in the appearance of impressions from the same source, resulting in overall nonconformity.
A record of the deployment and/or utilization of a trained canine team, maintained separately from other records, i.e., training, assessments or certifications. A record documenting the deployment and/or utilization of the canine team, especially an account of an act or occurrence kept in writing or some other permanent form, i.e., electronic format, which is discoverable. (See record, deployment record or utilization record.)
A record of the use of a trained canine team in an operational environment, as opposed to training records. A log constituting a piece of evidence about the past, especially an account of an act or occurrence kept in writing or some other permanent form, i.e., digital format. A log record of the use of a trained canine team in an operational environment, as opposed to training records (also called record, utilization log and record, and discipline-specific deployment log).
Documentation that pertains to an investigation that can be requested and must be produced by the prosecution or the defense for trial purposes. For example, notes, records, certifications, photographs or digital media.
Documentation that pertains to an investigation that can be requested and must be produced by the prosecution or the defense for trial purposes. For example, notes, records, certifications, photographs or digital media.
The exchange of materials by the parties in relation to a legal proceeding.
The ability to recognize differences between two or more stimuli. Operational usage: The ability to recognize differences between two or more odors/scents.
The ability to recognize differences between two or more stimuli. Operational usage: The ability to recognize differences between two or more scents.
A stimulus that signals when a particular response produces specific consequences. For example, sitting in the presence of a particular odor/scent leads to a reward. The odor/scent in this case is the discriminative stimulus.
An observation that two impressions have a general difference of appearance when comparing an individual feature or detail. Not to be confused with “disagreement.”
The segment of a finger or thumb farthest from the palm.
A highly contagious viral disease of canids, including domestic canines, that is caused by a paramyxovirus genus Morbillivirus) and is marked by fever, leukopenia, and respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological symptoms, especially in young canines. In older canines symptomology may be less severe, but neurological impairment is always common.
The tendency to be easily diverted from task.
Meaningful or meaning less blank-target sources that prevent concentration or diverts attention.
Non-target stimuli placed within a search area. These can include: humans, toys, food, animal odor, etc.
Non-target stimuli placed or naturally occurring within a search area. These can include: humans, toys, food, animal odor, etc.
Non-target stimuli placed or naturally occurring within a search area. These can include: humans, toys, food, animal odor, etc.
Non-target stimuli placed or naturally occurring within a search area. These can include: humans, toys, food, animal odor, etc.
Non-target stimuli placed or naturally occurring within a search area. These can include: humans, toys, food, animal odor, etc.
Non-target stimuli placed within a search area. These can include: humans, toys, food, animal odors or other blank-target odors/scents.
A change in the normal odor/scent picture of the area.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid. This is a chemical that forms a double helix that is unique to allbut identical siblings.
The process of identification and evaluation of biological evidence in criminal matters using DNA technologies, including DNA isolation and purification methods, data interpretation, statistical analysis, report writing, and courtroom testimony
DNA isolation and purification
A process by which the DNA concentration in a sample is determined.
The relative order of base pairs, whether in a fragment of DNA, a gene, a chromosome, or an entire genome.
A laboratory technique used to determine the sequence of bases (A, C, G, and T) in a DNA molecule.
An employee who is accountable for the technical operations of the laboratory and who is authorized to stop or suspend laboratory operations.1
The genetic constitution of an individual at one or more defined locations (also known as loci) in the DNA. A DNA type derived from nuclear DNA typically consists of one or two alleles at several loci (for example, short tandem repeat loci).
Abbreviation for deoxynucleotide tri-phosphates; used in PCR as building blocks to construct new DNA strands.