Overview
ISO 21043-1:2018 - "Forensic sciences - Part 1: Terms and definitions" is the vocabulary foundation for the ISO 21043 series on criminalistics (forensic sciences). Published by ISO/TC 272, this part provides clear, standardized terms and definitions used throughout the series to improve consistency, transparency and mutual understanding across forensic laboratories, law enforcement and judicial stakeholders worldwide.
Key topics and requirements
ISO 21043-1 is a lexicon rather than an operational procedure. Key technical topics covered include standardized definitions for:
- Trace or element of interest - object, substance or material collected in forensic processes
- Cycle of life - chronological record of handling and storage of a trace or item
- Contamination and contamination cross‑transfer - undesirable introduction or transfer of substances
- Sample, reference sample, and control (exemplar) sample - sampling and comparison materials
- Examination, examination strategy, screening results - scope and planning of forensic analyses
- Document, document management, records and records management - documentation and traceability
- Peer review, impartiality, interpretation - quality assurance, professional judgment and review
- Facilities, consumables, authorized operating procedure, risk assessment - environment, supplies and governance
The document also emphasizes that the series “describes what should be standardized” (vocabulary and requirements), not “how” to implement procedures - that role belongs to good practice guides and validated operating procedures.
Practical applications and users
ISO 21043-1 is used to:
- Establish a common forensic vocabulary for reports, protocols and inter‑jurisdictional cooperation
- Improve clarity in legal testimony, expert reports and accreditation documentation
- Support training curricula and standard operating procedures by providing consistent definitions
- Facilitate data exchange, database sharing and cross‑border investigations where consistent terminology is critical
Primary users include forensic laboratory managers, forensic scientists, crime scene investigators, police agencies, accrediting bodies, legal professionals and policymakers involved in forensic quality management.
Related standards and resources
- Part of the ISO 21043 series (see ISO website for other parts)
- References ISO 9000:2015 for selected quality and document terminology
- Terminology sources: ISO Online Browsing Platform and IEC Electropedia
Keywords: ISO 21043-1, forensic sciences, forensic terminology, criminalistics, forensic standards, glossary, sample handling, contamination, peer review, forensic quality.