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Forensic Science
Introduction
What is Forensic Science?
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Basic Definition: Science in the service of
the law
“Forensic” = “having to do with the law”
Forensic Science ≠ Forensics (“debating”)
Criminalists: analyze, compare, identify,
and interpret physical evidence
Forensic Scientist
Job Description:
 Process and document crime scenes
 Collect and preserve evidence
 Analyze and compare evidence in
laboratory
 Reconstruction of data (form the “best
theory” of events in the case)
Forensic Scientist
Skills Needed:
 Good observation skills – use 5 senses
 Analytical skills – ability to identify
problem, organize info, draw conclusions
 Deductive reasoning – using logical steps
to draw a conclusion based on facts or
evidence
Examples of Physical Evidence
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Imprints
Broken glass
Hairs
Fibers
Paint chips
Documents
Fingerprints
Other prints (shoe,
tire, etc.)
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Body/corpse
Toolmarks/firearms
Bullets/casings
DNA
Blood
Semen
Drugs, chemicals
Soil
Forensic Science Specialties
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Forensic Pathology: experts (medical
doctors) who determine the cause and
manner of death
Forensic Entomology: experts who study
insects to determine time of death and
location of a corpse
Forensic Odontology: forensic dentists –
identify human remains and analyze bite
marks
Forensic Science Specialties
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Forensic Anthropology: examine human
skeletal remains
Forensic Toxicology: study the effects of
poisons, toxins and drugs in the body
Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology:
evaluate offenders, also profiling criminal
cases
Forensic Science Specialties
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Forensic Engineering: investigate
transportation accidents, materials failure
cases, determine cause of
building/structure collapses
Forensic Computer Science: investigate
use of technology and electronic records