Neff+What+is+FS

=What is Forensic Science?=



Return to CSI Cairo Home = =

Information for this explanation is from: http://www.forensic-science-society.org.uk/information/careers.html last accessed 3/1/2008

The simplest definition of Forensic science is the use of science to investigate legal matters. Popular TV programs highlight criminal cases where forensic scientists investigate murders and violent crimes Forensic scientists are often involved in the search for physical evidence (often only traces of evidence) then examining this evidence so that they can attempt to make a connection between a suspect, and the victim or the scene of the crime. The traces often include inks and stains, fibers from clothing, materials used in buildings such as paint and glass, footwear/footprint/soil samples, tool marks, substances used to start fires and so on. Sometimes the scientist will visit the scene itself to construct a possible sequence of events, search for any signs/indicators as to who the perpetrator might be, and to join in the initial search for evidence.

Other types of testing and analizing forensic scientists may engage in include:
 * analyze suspected drugs of abuse, specimens from people thought to have taken them (for instance driving after drinking)
 * determine if a victim may have been poisoned.
 * Firearms, explosives used, and where they came from
 * Documents whose authenticity is questioned
 * Determine of counterfeit money and it's possible origin
 * The cause of a fire or a road accident

Forensic scientists can work for for either the prosecution or defense side of a legal investigation: These scientists present their findings and opinions on the evidence in written form either as formal statements of evidence or reports. Sometimes they are required to attend court to give their evidence in person.

The use of medical and dental knowledge to investigate legal problems. These investigators are trained medical doctors who have undergone additional training and who provide expert evidence in their fields of expertise.
 * Forensic Science in Medicine and Dentistry**
 * Forensic medical examinersdeal with the living
 * Forensic pathologist deal with the dead,
 * Forensic odontologists deal with dental evidence

photography the collection and comparison of fingerprints vehicle examination Scene examiners. who do detailed examinations of scenes of crime, often referred to as SOCOs (Scenes of Crime Officers) All of these investigators will normally have some scientific training. Return to CSI Cairo Home
 * Other fields that may not be doctors** to provide a variety of technical services