"Forensic science, also known as criminalistics, is the application of science to criminal and civil laws."
This topic explores the use of scientific techniques to investigate and solve crimes, including DNA analysis, ballistics, and trace evidence analysis.
Crime scene investigation: The techniques and methods used to collect and analyze physical evidence from crime scenes.
Evidence collection and preservation: The proper handling, preservation, and packaging of physical evidence to prevent contamination and maintain its integrity.
Analysis of physical evidence: The process of using scientific methods to examine physical evidence, such as blood, DNA, fingerprints, and fibers, to gain insights into a crime.
Trace evidence analysis: Techniques used to examine tiny particles of physical evidence, such as hair, fibers, and soil, to determine their origin and use in a crime investigation.
Autopsies and post-mortem examinations: The medical examination of a deceased individual to determine the cause and manner of death, and to provide evidence in criminal investigations.
Toxicology: The study of drugs and poisons and their effects on the body, used to determine if drugs were used in a crime and, if so, the specific drug used.
Forensic psychology: The application of psychology to legal issues or proceedings, including profiling, behavior analysis, and witness testimony.
Forensic anthropology: The study of human remains to determine the identity, cause and manner of death, and other information related to a crime investigation.
Ballistics and firearms identification: The study of firearms and ammunition to determine if they were used in a crime, the type of firearm used, and the trajectory of bullets.
Document examination: The analysis of handwriting, typewriting, printing, and other physical characteristics of documents to determine their authenticity and links to a crime investigation.
Digital forensics: The collection, preservation, and analysis of digital data, including computers, mobile devices, and social media, to obtain evidence in a crime investigation.
Bloodstain pattern analysis: The study of the size, shape, and location of bloodstains to determine how they were created and the events that took place at a crime scene.
Anthropometry: The measurement of various physical characteristics to identify or eliminate suspects in a criminal investigation.
Forensic entomology: The study of insects and their life cycles to estimate the time of death and other information related to a crime investigation.
Forensic botany: The study of plant materials for identification purposes, typically used in criminal investigations involving drug trafficking or poisoning.
Forensic Accounting: The use of financial analysis and investigation to identify and solve financial crimes.
Forensic Anthropology: The analysis of human remains in order to determine identity, cause of death, and other information about the individual.
Forensic Ballistics: The evaluation of firearms, bullets, and ammunition to aid in criminal investigations.
Forensic Botany: The study of plant materials in order to trace evidence in criminal investigations.
Forensic Chemistry: The use of chemical analysis to identify and evaluate physical evidence in crime scenes.
Forensic DNA Analysis: The analysis of DNA samples in order to identify suspects and victims in criminal investigations.
Forensic Entomology: The study of the behavior and life cycles of insects to aid in criminal investigations.
Forensic Linguistics: The analysis of language and communication patterns to aid in criminal investigations.
Forensic Odontology: The application of dental science to identify individuals and to analyze bite marks and other dental evidence in criminal investigations.
Forensic Pathology: The analysis of human remains to determine cause of death.
Forensic Psychology: The use of psychology to aid in understanding criminal behavior and in determining the guilt or innocence of a suspect.
Forensic Toxicology: The analysis of biological fluids and tissues to identify and evaluate presence of drugs or poison in criminal investigations.
Digital Forensics: The acquisition, analysis, and preservation of digital evidence.
Forensic Fire Investigation: The use of scientific and investigative techniques to determine the cause of fires and explosions.
Wildlife Forensics: The application of forensic science to the investigation of crimes related to wildlife and the environment.
"It is governed by the legal standards of admissible evidence and criminal procedure."
"It is a broad field utilizing numerous practices such as the analysis of DNA, fingerprints, bloodstain patterns, firearms, ballistics, and toxicology."
"Forensic scientists collect, preserve, and analyze scientific evidence during the course of an investigation."
"While some forensic scientists travel to the scene of the crime to collect the evidence themselves, others occupy a laboratory role, performing analysis on objects brought to them by other individuals."
"Still others are involved in the analysis of financial, banking, or other numerical data for use in financial crime investigation."
"They can be employed as consultants from private firms, academia, or as government employees."
"In addition to their laboratory role, forensic scientists testify as expert witnesses in both criminal and civil cases."
"They can work for either the prosecution or the defense, and any field could technically be forensic."
"Certain sections have developed over time to encompass the majority of forensically related cases."
"Criminalistics, also known as forensic science, is the application of science to criminal and civil laws."
"It is governed by the legal standards of admissible evidence and criminal procedure."
"...analysis of DNA, fingerprints, bloodstain patterns, firearms, ballistics, and toxicology."
"Forensic scientists collect, preserve, and analyze scientific evidence."
"Some forensic scientists travel to the scene of the crime to collect the evidence themselves, while others perform analysis on objects brought to them."
"They can be involved in the analysis of financial, banking, or other numerical data for use in financial crime investigation."
"They can be employed as consultants from private firms, academia, or as government employees."
"Forensic scientists testify as expert witnesses in both criminal and civil cases."
"They can work for either the prosecution or the defense."
"Certain sections have developed over time to encompass the majority of forensically related cases."