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.
A collection of logically related information
A collection of logically related information.
A representative value of a signal at a chosen instant, derived from a portion of thatsignal. From the Vocabulary of Digital Transmission and Multiplexing, and PulseCode Modulation (PCM) Terms, ITU-T Recommendation G.701 (March, 1993)
Obtain the values of a function for regularly or irregularly spaced distinct values fromits domain. From: ISO 2382-2-1976, Information technology Vocabulary Part2:Arithmetic and logic operations
A container of digital data that can be acquired by an acquisition tool
A container of digital data that can be acquired by an acquisition tool.
A stand-alone embedded system or a computer-based system for recording video and, optionally, audio data
A stand-alone embedded system or a computer-based system for recording video and, optionally, audio data.
A positive control that is diluted in the same manner as the diluted case sample(s)
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.
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.
In computer forensics, an object or structure used to group files together within a filesystem
In computer forensics, an object or structure used to group files together within a filesystem.
In computer forensics, a list of files and, optionally, file properties contained within a filesystem
In computer forensics, a list of files and, optionally, file properties contained within a filesystem.
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).
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.)
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.
To distinguish between two samples based on meaningful differences; to differentiate
To distinguish between two samples based on meaningful differences; to differentiate
The ability to recognize differences between two or more stimuli. Operational usage: The ability to recognize differences between two or more scents.
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 of an analytical procedure to distinguish between two items of different origin.
The ability of an analytical procedure to distinguish between two items of different origin
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.
Distinct features that occur in natural fibers (for example, flax, ramie, jute, hemp) in the shape of Xs, Is, and Vs that are present along the fiber cell wall; these features are often useful for identification
distinct features that occur in natural fibers (for example, flax, ramie, jute, hemp) in the shape of Xs, Is, and Vs that are present along the fiber cell wall; these features are often useful for identification.
The variation of birefringence with wavelength of light
An optical staining technique in which colors are produced by the differential refraction of different wavelengths of light due to mounting the sample in a liquid having a different dispersion of refractive index
an optical staining technique in which colors are produced by the differential refraction of different wavelengths of light due to mounting the sample in a liquid having a different dispersion of refractive index.
the variation of birefringence with wavelength of light.
the end of the hair farthest away from the root.
the end of the hair farthest away from the root.
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.
a physical separation based on the vaporization of the different components of the mixture to be separated.
a physical separation based on the vaporization of the different components of the mixture to be separated. Fire Debris Analysis (5), p. 379
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 or naturally occurring within a search area. These can include: humans, toys, food, animal odor, etc.