What Do Forensic Scientists Do?
What's a Forensic Scientist?
A forensic scientist is first a scientist. When a scientist's knowledge is used to help lawyers, juries, and judges understand the results of scientific tests, the scientist becomes a forensic scientist. Because the work of a forensic scientist is intended to be used in court and because scientific evidence can be very powerful, the forensic scientist must be accurate, methodical, detailed, and above all, unbiased.
Analyze Information and Document Findings
In most cases, the item or items in question are provided to the forensic scientist for examination and analysis. In other cases, they may need to go to the scene to conduct an on-site analysis, gather evidence, or document facts for later analysis. Having been provided or having gathered the relevant information, the forensic scientist then has to decide which examinations, tests, or analyses are appropriate – and relevant – to the issue(s) in dispute. (Is that powder cocaine or not? Did a defect in the road surface cause the crash?). They must conduct the most appropriate tests/analyses and document the process to interpret the results and document the steps followed to reach this conclusion or opinion.
Testify in Court as an Expert Witness
The forensic scientist will, at some point, have to testify. Testimony is the verbal statement of a witness, under oath, to the judge or jury. Forensic scientists are "expert" witnesses as opposed to ordinary or "fact" witnesses. Expert witnesses are permitted to testify not just about what the results of testing or analysis were ("facts"), but also to give an opinion about what those results mean. For example, a forensic scientist may testify about the observed, factual results of a chemical drug analysis and that, in their expert opinion, the results show that the tested substance is a specific drug, such as cocaine or heroin.
To qualify as an expert witness, the forensic scientist must have a solid, documented background of education, training, and experience in the scientific discipline used to conduct the examinations, testing, or analyses about which the forensic scientist wants to testify.
Being a member of the AAFS may assist in qualifying a forensic scientist as an expert witness.
Student Affiliate
Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program that would support a forensic science career to be eligible.
This reduced barrier to entry is intended to encourage youth involvement in the field of forensic science, escalate career opportunities, and promote collaboration between the different generations of practitioners.
Student Affiliate Membership Requirements
A party to a court case may challenge whether the scientist performed the tests correctly; whether the scientist interpreted the results accurately; or, whether the underlying science is valid and reliable. A party to a court case may additionally challenge whether the scientist is properly qualified to render an expert opinion or question the scientist's impartiality.
"If the law has made you a witness, remain a man of science. You have no victim to avenge, no guilty or innocent person to convict or save — you must bear testimony within the limits of science."
— Dr. P.C.H. Brouardel
19th-Century French Medico-Legalist
FAQs
Forensic science is a critical element of the criminal justice system. Forensic scientists examine and analyze evidence from crime scenes and elsewhere to develop objective findings that can assist in the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of crime or absolve an innocent person from suspicion.
What is forensic science quizlet? ›
forensic science. the study and application of science to matter of law. forensic scientist. analyze physical evidence, provide expert testimony, and provide training in the collection and preservation of physical evidence.
What is the definition of forensic science? ›
Forensic science can be defined as the application of scientific methods to criminal cases. In particular, forensic science deals with the analysis of evidence in criminal cases.
What is your understanding of forensic science? ›
Forensic science, also known as criminalistics, is the application of science principles and methods to support legal decision-making in matters of criminal and civil law. During criminal investigation in particular, it is governed by the legal standards of admissible evidence and criminal procedure.
What is forensics in simple terms? ›
forensics plural in form but singular or plural in construction : the application of scientific knowledge to legal problems. especially : scientific analysis of physical evidence (as from a crime scene)
What best describes forensic science? ›
Forensic science is the use of scientific methods or expertise to investigate crimes or examine evidence that might be presented in a court of law. Forensic science comprises a diverse array of disciplines, from fingerprint and DNA analysis to anthropology and wildlife forensics.
What is forensic science for dummies? ›
Forensics For Dummies takes you inside the world of crime scene investigation to give you the low down on this exciting field. Written by a doctor and former Law & Order consultant, this guide will have you solving crimes along with your favorite TV shows in no time.
What is forensics the science of? ›
Forensics is the science of reconstructing events. Forensic scientists study patterns to answer questions about the past.
What science is in forensic science? ›
Meg007/Shutterstock.com (see reuse policy). Forensic science is the application of sciences (such as physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, and engineering) to matters of law.
What is forensic science for kids? ›
Forensic science is a kind of science that blends biology, chemistry and physics to look at evidence, solve crimes and settle legal issues. Forensic scientists use evidence like fingerprints, blood, hair, bullets and DNA to show the truth about what happened in a situation.
: the application of scientific principles and techniques to matters of criminal justice especially as relating to the collection, examination, and analysis of physical evidence : forensics.
What is the basic theory of forensic science? ›
In the early 20th century, Dr. Edmond Locard, a forensic science pioneer in France, formulated the theory which states, “Every contact leaves a trace”. This became known as Locard's exchange principle and is the basis for all forensic science as we know it today.
What is forensic science Why is it important? ›
Forensic scientists examine and analyze evidence from crime scenes and elsewhere to develop objective findings that can absolve an innocent person from suspicion or assist in the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of crime.
What does forensic science teach you? ›
Forensic Studies Students Explore:
Various aspects of forensics, including ballistics, fingerprinting, and toxicology. Crime scene investigation and reconstruction. Eyewitness testimony and death investigation.
What is the function of forensic science? ›
The main function of forensic science laboratories is to provide an unbiased scientific opinion on the different types of evidential material referred to them by the investigating agencies and in turn, help the judiciary.
What is forensic science explanation for kids? ›
Forensic science is a kind of science that blends biology, chemistry and physics to look at evidence, solve crimes and settle legal issues. Forensic scientists use evidence like fingerprints, blood, hair, bullets and DNA to show the truth about what happened in a situation.
What is the main focus of a forensic scientist? ›
Forensic scientists use a range of techniques to examine and analyse materials and objects that are believed to be associated with a crime. They attend crime scenes, where they collect evidence, draw sketches and take notes.
