These terms have particular application to the forensic sciences. In addition, a hierarchy of sources of definitions were used in the development of this terminology. The hierarchy is as follows: Websters New Collegiate 7th Dictionary; technical dictionaries; and the Compilation of ASTM Standard Definitions. The subcommittee developed a suitable definition after all of the sources in the hierarchy were found wanting.

1.1 This is a compilation of terms and corresponding definitions used in the forensic sciences. Legal or scientific terms that are generally understood or defined adequately in other readily available sources may not be included.

1.2 A definition is a single sentence with additional information included in notes. It is reviewed every five years, and the year of last review or revision is appended.

1.3 Definitions identical to those published by another standards organization or ASTM committee are identified with the abbreviation of the name of the organization or the identifying document and ASTM committee; for example, ASME is the American Society of Mechanical Engineering.

1.4 Definitions of terms specific to a particular field are identified with an abbreviation.