Forensic science
investigation method that applies knowledge and skills from psychology, sociology, as well as physics, chemistry, engineering, medicine, and biology, to examine crimes or evidence that might be presented in a court of law
Author: Yunwha Lee
Editor: Minjae Shin
Types
Anthropology: Reconstructing a Life
the application of the science of physical or biological anthropology to the legal process
made up of several sub-disciplines: cultural anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, and physical (biological) anthropology
forensic anthropologists examine skeletal remains to find characteristics, cause of death, injuries or diseases, how much time has passed since death, and other findings that could lead to solving a crime, identifying an unknown victim, or even helping with excavated remains on an archaeology dig
Criminalistics: Understanding the Evidence
To identify evidence and to link individuals, objects, and place through that evidence
Criminalists sometimes specialize in specific areas of physical evidence, some of which require additional training, including: firearms (forensic ballistics), toolmarks, DNA, fire and explosion debris, controlled substances, trace evidence, and wildlife
Digital and Multimedia Sciences: Thumb Drives to Massive Networks
the field of forensics will continue to evolve as technology changes, and the area of digital and multimedia sciences is one of those ever-changing areas
To examine hardware tools, software applications, and digital files (audio, text, image, video, etc.) to find and analyze evidence
there are terabytes of data, hours of footage (say from security or traffic cameras) to sort through before finding anything meaningful or relevant
a few examples of a digital forensic scientist’s duties: determining if a digital image has been altered, analyzing acoustics of a recording, finding out what devices are connected to a system, determining if files have been deleted from a drive or device, locating a remote system or user, finding a victim or suspect based on data
Engineering and Applied Sciences: Natural and Manmade Disasters
home to the most varied group of forensic professionals: problem-solvers with a background in one of the many sub-disciplines of engineering, chemistry, or physics
experts are called upon in both criminal and civil cases to investigate things such as automobile collisions, building collapses, train derailments, explosions, product failures, and environmental contamination.
General: A Variety of Forensic Science Expertise
to hold specialities in forensic lab investigation, field investigation, clinical work, and education and research that do not fit into other larger disciplines
These include a range of focus, including: accounting, veterinary services, nursing, consulting, art and sculpting, radiology, and management and administration.
Jurisprudence: Practicing Forensics
the philosophy of law
To support court cases, including: collecting and studying evidence in order to draw conclusions, advise clients, and form litigation strategies
asked to provide testimony in criminal and civil cases
Odontology: Finding Answers Tooth by Tooth
known as forensic dentistry
play an important part in crime scene investigation and natural disaster response and recovery
A dental expert can contribute to a forensic investigation in many ways, such as: comparing dental remains with dental records, comparing dental records, evaluating bite marks, ageing of an individual, and evaluation of dental or other oral injuries
Pathology/Biology: Forensics Down to a Science
Pathology is the study of disease
a forensic pathologist would use these skills and expertise to assist in legal matters
Sometimes, involves performing an autopsy, which allows the pathologist to examine organs, tissue, and fluids to find a cause or circumstances of death
the forensic pathologist might work in a lab, studying smaller specimens.
Forensic biology experts study organisms or cells of organisms that might be relevant to a crime.
spans the life sciences: entomology (insects), botany (plants), ecology, genetics, and microbiology
Examples of how these specialties can aid in a death investigation could include: a plant scientist identifying stomach contents or finding hidden graves, a veterinarian assisting in animal welfare cases, an entomologist helping to determine a timeline (for example, when insects might take over human remains), a geneticist helping to confirm the identity of an organism.
Psychiatry and Behavioral Science: Understanding Human Nature
contribute to the field of forensics through assessing individuals or providing testimony in criminal or civil cases.
Psychiatrists might help determine if someone is fit to stand trial or evaluate mental illness as it relates to a crime
Forensic psychiatrists may also aid in cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, adoption, foster care, and custody.
Toxicology: Substances and the Law
the study of adverse effects of chemicals (ex: drugs, alcohol) on the human body
forensic toxicology is looking at these effects in the context of the law
analyze various specimens including blood, urine, tissues, hair, and fluids (such as from the eye, liver, or brain) and then interpret the results
Forensic toxicologists focus on one of three main areas which are post-mortem toxicology: helping to identify the cause or manner of death, human performance toxicology: to determine impairment during a crime, forensic drug testing: used in the workplace, athletics, and probation/parole
Analysis / Evidence
Finger Print Analysis
Forensic DNA Analysis
Handwriting Exemplars
Blood Splatter Analysis
Forensic Pathology
Ballistics
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