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.
Forensic Dna Analysis
The use of DNA technologies for the evaluation of biological evidence that may be involved in legal matters.
forensic document examiner (FDE)
A forensic service provider who addresses inquiries that arise in matters where the authenticity, genuineness, or source of a document is questioned, and does not provide personality assessment, creation of a personality profile, or analysis, or judgment of a writer’s personality or character.
forensic document examiner (FDE)
A forensic service provider who addresses inquiries that arise in matters where the authenticity, genuineness, or source of a document is questioned, and does not provide personality assessment, creation of a personality profile, or analysis, or judgment of a writer's personality or character.
Forensic Image
Forensic Light Source
forensic pathologist
Physician who is board-certified in forensic pathology by an accredited credentialing body; currently American Board of Pathology and American Osteopathic Board of Pathology.
forensic pathology
Practice of medicine in which the principles of pathology are applied to problems of potential legal, public health, or public safety significance; a common function is the performance of autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death.
forensic photography (still and video)
The act of producing an accurate depiction of a scene or physical evidence using photography for the purpose of an investigative or legal proceedings.
forensic process
set of interrelated or interacting forensic activities
Note 1 to entry: The forensic process can include item handling and control, examination and reporting.
Note 2 to entry: See Annex A for a flowchart of the forensic process.
Forensic Sample
Biological sample recovered from a crime scene or collected from persons or objects associated with a crime.
Forensic Science
OSAC Preferred
The application of scientific principles and techniques to matters of criminal justice especially as relating to the collection, examination, and analysis of physical evidence.
forensic science
The application of scientific principles and techniques to matters of the law especially as relating to the collection, examination, and analysis of physical evidence.
Forensic Science Practitioner
forensic science practitioner
An individual who (1) applies scientific or technical practices to the recognition, collection, analysis, or interpretation of evidence at issue in criminal, civil, or administrative investigations and proceedings, and (2) issues test results, provides reports, or provides interpretations, conclusions, or opinions through testimony with respect to such evidence.
Forensic Science Service Provider (FSSP)
OSAC Preferred
An organization or individual that provides forensic science services.
Also referenced in ANSI/ASB 017 Standard Practices for Measurement Traceability in Forensic Toxicology, ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, ANSI/ASTM E2917-24a Standard Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, and Professional Development Programs, ANSI/ASTM E3255-21 Standard Practice for Quality Assurance of Forensic Science Service Providers Performing Forensic Chemical Analysis, ANSI/ASB 142-22 Best Practice Recommendations for the Resolution of Conflicts in Friction Ridge Examination, ANSI/ASB Standard 157-23 Required Components for a Proficiency Testing Program in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Forensic Serology
The detection, characterization, identification, and/or typing of body tissues and fluids, either in native form or as stains or residues left at a crime scene using physical methods (e.g. normal and enhanced lighting), biochemical assays, reactions and/or microscopy.
Forensic Serology
The detection, characterization, identification, and/or typing of body tissues and fluids, either in native form or as stains or residues left at a crime scene using physical methods (e.g. normal and enhanced lighting), biochemical assays, reactions and/or microscopy.
Forensic Service Provider (FSP)
Organization or individual that conducts and/or supplies forensic services. ISO 21043-1
Forensic Service Provider (FSP)
OSAC Preferred
organization that performs all or part of the forensic process (3.25).
Note 1 to entry: A forensic service provide can be a large or small organization, including an organization consisting of a single examiner (3.20)
Numbers in the parenthesis refers to additional terms in the standard.
Also referenced in ANSI/ASB 145 Standard for Consultation During Friction Ridge Examination, ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendation 144 Best Practice Recommendations for the Verification Component in Friction Ridge Examination, ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendation 165 Best Practice Recommendation for Analysis of Friction Ridge Impressions, ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendation 166 Best Practice Recommendation for Comparison and Evaluation of Friction Ridge Impressions, ANSI/ASB 014 Standard for Friction Ridge Examination Training Program, ANSI/ASB Standard 015 Standard for Examining Friction Ridge Impressions, ANSI/ASB 168 Standard for Testimony Monitoring in Friction Ridge Examination, ANSI/ASB 143 Standard for Technical Review in Friction Ridge Examination, ANSI/ASB 167 Standard for Reporting Results from Friction Ridge Examinations.
Forensic Services
OSAC Preferred
Activities included in the collection, examination, and analysis of items and reporting of observations and opinions for matters of criminal justice, or for regulatory, or legal proceedings.
Forensic Video Analysis
Forensic Wipe
forged document
A document that purports to be genuine but is not, because it has been falsely altered, completed, signed, or endorsed, or contains a false addition thereto or insertion therein, or is a combination of parts of two or more genuine documents. [18 USC 513 (c) (2)] NOTE A counterfeit document is an attempt to create an exact copy of a document that exists (e.g., trying to recreate the US passport including all security features). A fabricated document is completely fictitious (e.g., creating a passport from a country that is fictitious). A forged document alters or changes a genuine document (e.g., altering the photo, name, or date on an existing passport).
Format
Format
Format Conversion
Forward Spatter Pattern
Foxing, Foxing Strip
FR
Fractography
fracture pattern
The spatial arrangement of each complementary edge formation created when a single object is separated into two or more fragments. (SWGDOC E11)
Fragmentation
Frame
Frame Skeletal Proportion
The internal bony structures that give the shape and proportion to the canine.
Frankfurt Horizon
The plane determined by the lowest point of the left eye socket and the tragions of theears.
Free Space
Freeze-Thaw Crust
Frequency
The rate at which an event occurs.
Fresh Trail
A human scent pathway that has been present for a short period of time. A trail that is under 24 hours old.
friction ridge detail (synonym of friction ridge features)
See friction ridge features.
friction ridge detail, friction ridge features
The combination of ridge flow, ridge characteristics, and ridge structure of friction ridge skin, as reproduced and observed in an impression. The observed data used to compare and interpret similarity or dissimilarity between impressions.
friction ridge detail, friction ridge features
The combination of ridge flow, ridge characteristics, and ridge structure of friction ridge skin, as reproduced and observed in an impression. The observed data used to compare and interpret similarity or dissimilarity between impressions.
friction ridge detail, friction ridge features
The combination of ridge flow, ridge characteristics, and ridge structure of friction ridge skin, as reproduced and observed in an impression. The observed data used to compare and interpret similarity or dissimilarity between impressions.
friction ridge features
The combination of ridge flow, ridge characteristics, and ridge structure of friction ridge skin, as reproduced and observed in an impression. The observed data used to compare and interpret similarity or dissimilarity between impressions.
friction ridge features (synonym of friction ridge detail)
The combination of ridge flow, ridge characteristics, and ridge structure of friction ridge skin, as reproduced and observed in an impression. The observed data used to compare and interpret similarity or dissimilarity between impressions.
Friction Ridge Image
An image of an impression from the palmar surfaces of the hands or fingers, or from theplantar (sole) surfaces of the feet or toes.
Friction Ridge Skin
The volar skin surface of the surfaces of the hands and fingers, and the plantar surfaces ofthe feet and toes.
friction ridge skin
The skin found on the palms of the hands (full palmar surface including fingers) and soles of the feet (full plantar surface including toes).