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.
Imprecise duplication in multiple impressions from the same machine.
The diversity present in a character or set of character states that occurs between different species.
The diversity present in a character or set of character states that occurs within the same species.
Utilizing a canine to locate a target odor/scent source in any type of motor vehicle.
An opening for the passage of, or dissipation of, fluids, such as gases, fumes, smoke, and the like.
The movement of gases within, into, or from any compartment or space or the firefighting operation of removing smoke and heat from the structure by opening windows and doors or making holes in the roof.
A fire in which the heat release rate or growth is controlled by the amount of air available to the fire.
The escape of smoke and heat through openings in a building.
provision of objective evidence that a given item fulfils specified requirementsEXAMPLE 1 Confirmation that a given reference material as claimed is homogeneous for the quantity valueand measurement procedure concerned, down to a measurement portion having a mass of 10 mg.EXAMPLE 2 Confirmation that performance properties or legal requirements of a measuring system areachieved.EXAMPLE 3 Confirmation that a target measurement uncertainty can be met.Note 1 to entry: When applicable, measurement uncertainty should be taken into consideration.Note 2 to entry: The item may be, for example, a process, measurement procedure, material, compound, ormeasuring system. Note 3 to entry: The specified requirements may be, for example, that a manufacturer's specifications are met.Note 4 to entry: Verification in legal metrology, as defined in VIML, and in conformity assessment in general,pertains to the examination and marking and/or issuing of a verification certificate for a measuring system.Note 5 to entry: Verification should not be confused with calibration. Not every verification is a validation (3.9).Note 6 to entry: In chemistry, verification of the identity of the entity involved, or of activity, requires a descriptionof the structure or properties of that entity or activity.[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 99:2007, 2.44]
To confirm the truth or correctness of something.
Verification consists of confirmation, through the provision of objective evidence, that specified requirements have been fulfilled. For example, confirmation through another expert, trained to competency, conducting an independent analysis, comparison and evaluation of the unknown and known, which may include test impressions, as well as the physical footwear or tire.
Performing subsequent testing to ascertain if the results are concordant.
Independent examination by one or more examiners to ascertain if a decision, conclusion, or opinion is reproduced or is in conflict with the decision, conclusion, or opinion of another examiner.
NOTE 1 Verification may be implemented in multiple ways including blind, open, and consensus. The general term verification is inclusive of these various types.
NOTE 2 Verification is a quality assurance measure for friction ridge examination.
NOTE 3 The use of the term “independent” indicates an autono
Independent examination by one or more examiners to ascertain if a decision, conclusion, or opinion is reproduced or is in conflict with the decision, conclusion, or opinion of another examiner.
NOTE 1 Verification may be implemented in multiple ways including blind verification, open verification, and consensus review. The general term verification is inclusive of these various types.
NOTE 2 Verification is a quality assurance measure for friction ridge examination.
NOTE 3 The use of the term “independent” indicates an autonomous examination but not necessarily one without knowledge of a prior decision, conclusion, or opinion.
Independent examination by one or more examiners to ascertain if a decision, conclusion, or opinion is reproduced or is in conflict with the decision, conclusion, or opinion of another examiner.
NOTE 1 Verification may be implemented in multiple ways including blind, open, and consensus. The general term verification is inclusive of these various types.
NOTE 2 Verification is a quality assurance measure for friction ridge examination.
NOTE 3 The use of the term “independent” indicates an autonomous examination but not necessarily one without knowledge of a prior decision, conclusion or opinion.
Independent examination by one or more examiners to ascertain if a decision, conclusion, or opinion is reproduced or is in conflict with the decision, conclusion, or opinion of another examiner.
NOTE 1 Verification may be implemented in multiple ways including blind verification, open verification, and consensus review. The general term verification is inclusive of these various types.
NOTE 2 Verification is a quality assurance measure for friction ridge examination.
NOTE 3 The use of the term “independent” indicates an autonomous examination but not necessarily one without knowledge of a prior decision, conclusion, or opinion.
opinion is reproduced or is in conflict with the decision, conclusion, or opinion of another examiner.
NOTE 1 Verification may be implemented in multiple ways including blind verification, open verification, and consensus review. The general term verification is inclusive of these various types.
NOTE 2 Verification is a quality assurance measure for friction ridge examination.
NOTE 3 The use of the term “independent” indicates an autonomous examination but not necessarily one without knowledge of a prior decision, conclusion, or opinion.
Independent examination by one or more examiners to ascertain if a decision, conclusion, or opinion is reproduced or is in conflict with the decision, conclusion, or opinion of another examiner.
NOTE 1 Verification may be implemented in multiple ways including blind, open, and consensus. The general term verification is inclusive of these various types.
NOTE 2 Verification is a quality assurance measure for friction ridge examination.
NOTE 3 The use of the term “independent” indicates an autonomous examination but not necessarily one without knowledge of a prior decision, conclusion, or opinion.
Confirmation, by examination of evidence, that a product, process or service fulfills specified requirements.
Performing subsequent testing to ascertain if the results are concordant.
The examiner tasked with reaching independent source conclusions regarding evidence examined by the primary examiner.
Any individual who carries out duties under the direction or authority of the veterinarian. Individuals performing these various duties may be technicians, other veterinarians, veterinary medical students, or law enforcement personnel.
A postmortem examination performed by a veterinarian for the documentation of legal cases.
A diagnostic procedure consisting of the dissection of a deceased animal by a veterinarian for the purpose of determining the cause of death. Synonyms include necropsy and autopsy.
The analysis of links, primarily in fraudulent documents.
Alleles that are not present in the allelic ladder, but have been previously reported or discovered during developmental validation of a particular chemistry. (GeneMapper a ID-X Software and Bin Overlap User Bulletinb,)
The association of homologous (i.e., left-right) elements based on similarities in morphology.
The digital, encoded file primarily containing the sounds of vocalizations of bothspeech and non-speech content, convertible to an acoustic signal replicating the original acoustic signal. A voice data file is extracted from an audio recording, but not all audiorecordings contain voice signals and not all voice data is speech. A physical medium,such as a phonograph record, contains a voice signal but is not a voice data file.
Use of tonal changes and volume to effectively communicate with the canine.
spoken message used to guide the user through a dialog with a voice response system
The examination of an expert witness in a court proceeding to assist the court in determining whether the expert has the necessary qualifications to testify about the subject-matter.
The unit of electrical pressure (electromotive force) represented by the symbol 'E'; the difference in potential required to make a current of one ampere flow through a resistance of one ohm.
Biological specimen that is representative of its species in accordance with the relevant taxonomic authority and is therefore valid for comparative purposes. Voucher specimens are of known identity, and are curated with available associated geographic, field collection, and life history data.
Biological specimen that is representative of its species in accordance with the relevant taxonomic authority. Voucher specimens are of known identity, and are curated with available associated geographic, field collection and life history data.
Biological specimen that is typical of its species in accordance with the relevant taxonomic authority. Voucher specimens are of known identity, and are curated with geographic, field collection, and life history data.