Overview
ISO 21043-1:2025 - Forensic sciences - Part 1: Vocabulary is the second edition (June 2025) of an ISO international standard that defines the core vocabulary used across the forensic process from scene to courtroom. The document standardizes terms used by forensic service providers, examiners and stakeholders to promote consistent communication, reporting and legal interpretation. It is alphabetically organized, contains an informative Annex A flowchart of the forensic process, and is part of the broader ISO 21043 series.
Key topics and defined concepts
This vocabulary standard does not prescribe technical methods but provides authoritative definitions that underpin forensic practice. Important entries and topics include:
- Forensic process and examination - terminology for recovery, analysis and interpretation of items.
- Chain of custody (continuity) - recording transfer, handling and storage of items.
- Chain elements: record, case file, document control, record control.
- Analytical and examination strategy, method, procedure, enhancement, recovery, recognition.
- Interpretation concepts: observation, opinion, investigative interpretation, evaluative interpretation, opinion scale, likelihood ratio.
- Quality and governance terms: proficiency testing, performance monitoring, interlaboratory and intralaboratory comparison, impartiality, contamination.
- Roles and samples: examiner, forensic service provider, first responder, reference sample, control sample, consumable.
- Human factors: cognitive bias and measures to reduce bias in forensic decision-making.
Note: where the ISO 21043 series references other standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 17043, ISO 9000 definitions), those sources are cited for alignment rather than as prescriptive requirements in this part.
Practical applications and users
ISO 21043-1:2025 is essential for anyone involved in forensic science operations, documentation, legal processes or standardization:
- Forensic laboratory managers and examiners - to standardize reporting, reduce ambiguity and support training.
- Law enforcement and first responders - to align terminology during scene handling and evidence transfer.
- Legal professionals and courts - to interpret forensic reports consistently.
- Quality managers and accreditation bodies - to harmonize documentation, record control and performance monitoring vocabulary.
- Educators and policy makers - to teach and implement consistent forensic terminology.
Using a shared vocabulary improves clarity in case files, reduces misunderstandings in expert testimony, and supports interoperability across jurisdictions and disciplines.
Related standards
- ISO 21043 series (Parts 2–5) - discipline-specific process and requirements.
- References within definitions to standards such as ISO/IEC 17043 and ISO 9000 for aligned terminology and testing concepts.
