Technical English in criminology

• Technical English in criminology involves specialized vocabulary and language skills necessary for professionals in the field

Forensic Terminology

• Forensic terminology includes terms related to the collection, analysis, and interpretation of evidence in legal contexts
• "Autopsy" refers to the post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death
• "Ballistics" is the study of projectiles and firearms
• "DNA" (Deoxyribonucleic acid) analysis involves identifying genetic material for identification or comparison
• "Toxicology" deals with the study of poisons and their effects on the body
• "Serology" is the examination of blood and other bodily fluids

Criminal Justice System Vocabulary

• "Arraignment" is the initial court appearance where the defendant is informed of the charges and enters a plea
• "Indictment" is a formal accusation by a grand jury
• "Plea bargain" involves the defendant agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser charge
• "Probation" is a sentencing option where the offender remains in the community under supervision
• "Parole" is the conditional release of a prisoner before the end of their sentence
• "Felony" refers to a serious crime punishable by imprisonment of more than one year
• "Misdemeanor" is a less serious crime punishable by a fine or imprisonment of less than one year
• "Acquittal" is the judgment that a person is not guilty of the crime with which they have been charged
• "Admissible evidence" is evidence that can be legally and properly introduced in court
• “Affidavit” is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court

Investigative Language

• Investigative language involves precise and objective communication used in law enforcement and criminology
• "Surveillance" refers to the monitoring of individuals or places
• "Interrogation" involves questioning suspects to gather information
• "Chain of custody" refers to the documented sequence of handling evidence
• "Modus operandi" (MO) is the method of operation used by a criminal
• "Informant" is a person who provides information to law enforcement
• "Cold case" refers to an unsolved case that is no longer being actively investigated
• "Profiling" involves creating a likely description of a suspect based on available evidence
• "Exigent circumstances" are conditions that allow law enforcement to enter premises without a warrant
• "Hearsay" is testimony that relies on statements made by someone other than the witness, and is usually inadmissible as evidence

Case Study Reports

• Case study reports are detailed analyses of specific criminal cases
• They typically include a summary of the crime
• They include background information on the victim and suspect
• They include evidence collected and analyzed
• They include investigative procedures
• They include legal proceedings
• They include outcomes and implications
• Reports use clear, concise language to present findings and conclusions
• Case studies often analyze criminal behavior, motives, and the effectiveness of investigative techniques
• They contribute to understanding criminal patterns and improving law enforcement strategies
• Case studies often demonstrate the application of forensic science in solving crimes

Legal Documentation

• Legal documentation includes various written records used in the criminal justice system
• "Search warrants" are legal documents authorizing law enforcement to search a specific location for evidence
• "Arrest warrants" authorize the arrest of a named individual
• "Court orders" are directives issued by a court
• "Subpoenas" compel individuals to appear in court or provide testimony
• "Affidavits" are sworn statements of facts
• "Legal briefs" are written arguments submitted to a court
• "Plea agreements" are formal agreements between the prosecution and the defendant
• Documentation must be accurate, complete, and comply with legal standards
• Attention to detail is crucial to maintain the integrity and admissibility of evidence
• Proper documentation ensures accountability and transparency in legal proceedings
• Understanding legal documentation is essential for professionals in criminology and law enforcement

This lesson covers technical English in criminology, including forensic terminology such as autopsy, ballistics, DNA analysis, toxicology, and serology. Additionally, explores criminal justice system vocabulary like arraignment, indictment, plea bargain, and probation.