The term code or codes generally apply to the written requirements of the law as adopted or created by the authority having jurisdiction. In Fire Litigation the code usually refers to a building code. Several model code agencies have developed codes that have either been fully or partially adopted by cities, states and other government agencies. There are three traditional model building codes in the United States. Recently, ICC and NFPA have produced "unified" codes intended for nationwide application.

The reliance of one's experience or observation alone to evaluate a situation or recommend a course of action. Subjective data, relating to personal experience or knowledge.

A sample that represents the original material or product as close as possible. Having materials as close as possible to the original allows for greater accuracy in fire testing.

Through the use of high-speed computers a proposed fire scenario can be animated. Realistic colors and textures add to the believability and helps people to understand otherwise complex fire spread, smoke movement, etc. The data for animation is usually gathered during fire testing and computer modeling.

Data from fire testing is converted to useful information through the process of computer modeling. In addition to data obtained from specific tests on exemplar materials a large data base of fire performance data on a wide variety of products and materials allow for quick and accurate evaluation of most fire scenarios.

The ability to measure, determine precisely, or express in quantitative terms information about a material's property, performance or appearance. Objective data, not based on personal experience.

Reconstruction is often required to determine what happened in a particular incident. Items such as how did a fire get started, where did the fire spread to, why did the fire do what it did, etc. are typical questions that can be answered utilizing a reconstruction technique. Proper reconstruction usually requires testing exemplar materials in as close as possible size and conditions as the original scene as possible.

Standards are written procedures on how to evaluate a product or material to determine a particular quality, performance characteristic or behavior. Most commercial standards are written by committees that have representation by those that have an interest in the field either commercially or other interests such as safety (consumers, manufacturers, testing laboratories, special interest groups, independent experts in the field, etc.)