What is Forensic Science?

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What is Forensic Science?

Introduction

Forensic science is the broad name given to the specialized tools used by law enforcement investigators to solve crime. Although forensics is most commonly thought to aid investigators in cases of assault, rape, and homicides, they are used in white-collar crime as well. Students of forensic science may disagree about its origins, but most agree that in the modern era forensics began in the late nineteenth century. Forensic techniques include fingerprinting, blood typing, genetic profiling, hair and fiber analysis, graphology, toxicology, chemistry, odontology, engineering and information technology. Although it is not considered to be a forensic tool per se, psychological profiling is an important new means, especially in the apprehension of serial killers. Designed by agents at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), psychological profiling defines behavioral patterns which distinguish one criminal from another.

Criminal investigations require experts from a various fields to successfully solve mysterious cases, from laboratory technicians to detectives. ME or medical examiner in any investigation team performs a key role. They work in laboratories, perform autopsy and identify the causes, time and methods of murders using their knowledge of medicine and biology. Therefore, Forensic science can be defined as the application of events of science in conjunction with the law. It is the combination of scientific procedures related to crime and provides its evidence and also shows us the way crime was committed. It consists of various scientific tests including DNA, fingerprints, fibers and bodily fluid that are collected and stored with confidentiality and special care in order to make it easy for police to use them later as an evidence for further investigation for a particular crime or a series of crimes (Cooper, 2008).

Forensic science has been playing a vital role in bringing criminals to the justice and law or in prison depending on the type of crime conducted. It does not only important for crimes related to death or killing but also covers the cases related to sexual bodily assault and other serious cases that require scientific proofs and evidences (Davies, 1986).

In this paper, in depth analysis of different techniques applied by forensic investigators in different departments of forensic investigation will be carried out. The purpose of this paper is to better the understanding of what forensic investigation is? Rather than a general perception, how investigations are carried out will be discussed in this paper. After understanding different techniques employed in different areas of forensic investigation, a case study will be covered to witness how the knowledge of forensic investigation is used to bring about logical solutions to complicated cases.

Discussion

Importance of Forensic Science for Policing and Criminal Investigations

The ancient world had not much emphasized on forensic practices which led criminals to escape from punishment. Criminal trials and investigations relied heavily on witness testimony and forced confession. But after many centuries, the concept and techniques of forensic science has started developing rapidly such as “Eureka” legend of Archimedes during 212 BC. The first method by Archimedes ...