Appendix A: Mystery Terms
Alibi- an excuse that an accused person uses to try to show that he or she was somewhere else, and not at the scene of the crime
Breakthrough- a discovery that helps to solve a crime
Clue- a fact, object or thing that helps to solve a mystery
Crime- an act committed in violation of the law, more serious than a misdemeanor.]
Deduce- to reach a conclusion by logical reasoning (infer)
Detective- a person, usually a member of a police force, who investigates crimes and obtains evidence or information. Also: a person who investigates crimes and gathers information, as in "private detective"
Evidence- something such as a witness statement or object that is used as proof in a crime in a court of law
Extenuating Circumstances- things that make somebody's actions excusable or less blameworthy
Hunch- a guess or feeling not based on known facts
Mitigating Circumstances- relevant facts that are not excuses, but may be considered as reasons for reducing the penalties or punishment given
Motive- an inner drive or reason that causes a person to do something or act in a certain way
Mystery- a work of fiction, drama or film that deals with a puzzling crime
Polygraph- An instrument that simultaneously records changes in physiological processes such as heartbeat, blood pressure, and respiration, often used as a lie detector.
Red herring- in mystery fiction, a trick that leads investigators or readers towards an incorrect solution.
Sleuth- another name for a detective
Suspect- One who is suspected of having committed a crime.
Victim- someone who is harmed, suffers some loss, or who is tricked, swindled, or taken advantage of
Witness- someone who can give a firsthand account of something seen, heard, or experienced
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