What does the term "latent" mean in forensic evidence?

The term "latent" in the context of forensic evidence refers specifically to something that is not immediately visible or apparent. It often describes evidence that is present but requires specific techniques or conditions to be revealed or made apparent. For example, latent fingerprints are not readily visible on surfaces without the use of powders or chemical treatments. This contrasts with other descriptors such as "visible," which means that the evidence can be seen without any enhancement, or "obvious," which indicates that evidence is easily noticeable without further investigation. In forensic terms, "hidden" aptly captures the essence of latent evidence, as it implies that while the evidence exists, it is not apparent without effort to uncover it. "Dynamic" does not relate to the state of evidence in this context, making it less relevant to the definition of latent.