What Is Forensic Science All About?

Forensic science has piqued the interests of many people. The surge in the number of true-crime serials on Netflix and beyond, is just one of the reasons why people are obsessed. It’s no surprise that true crime enthusiasts might explore a career in forensic science, which can lead to an interesting and fulfilling career.

So what exactly is forensic science all about? Let's delve deeper and find out more.

What is forensic science?

Put simply, ‘forensic science’ is the practice of applying science to criminal laws. Over the years, there have been developments and techniques that allow forensic scientists to provide an impartial, factual form of evidence that can be used in court to help decide the outcome.

The term is derived from the Latin, forensis, which refers to the forum where the Romans would meet to discuss various matters, including crimes.

How forensic science is used

Forensic science is a crucial part of the judicial system. Drawing on different scientific areas, including biology, chemistry and physics, it will identify and evaluate evidence to be able to provide a detailed report to the court.

A forensic scientist’s testimony is considered trustworthy, as it based solely on scientific fact - not speculation or personal opinion. It can be used to serve both the defense or the prosecution, and in both civil and criminal cases.

The majority of a forensic scientist’s work will take place in a laboratory or a morgue, analyzing evidence procured from crime scenes by law enforcement or crime scene investigators. Occasionally, the might be called to the crime scene, collecting evidence themselves.

Types of forensic science

There are various specialisms that forensic scientists can get into. The area can be very broad, but many forensic scientists become experts in their fields. Some of the main classifications of forensic scientists include:

• Forensic pathologists - who specialize in medical-based areas such as autopsies.

• Forensic scientists - who typically work in law enforcement or government areas, and may be responsible for a range of examinations, including toxicology or ballistics.

• Associated scientists - these are specialists in certain areas who can be called on to provide analysis of elements such as botany, anthropology, etc.

There are many other categories of forensic scientists related to the specialisms associated with these roles, including forensic accounting and forensic psychology.

Studying forensic science

While there are many directions a forensic scientist can take, the study of forensic science itself is rooted in some basic concepts and theories that cover a number of areas. Typically, forensic scientists will begin their studies by focusing on a particular area of science, before concentrating their degree on a focused area.

Forensic science is a fascinating subject, which opens up a range of possibilities, allowing people to become experts whose opinion is trusted and respected in a court of law. With many colleges offering degree programs that can lead to a career in forensic science, it’s an area worth considering if this is your ideal career path.