Forensic science is a diverse field that applies scientific principles to support criminal investigations and legal processes. It involves the precise collection and examination of physical evidence from crime scenes, including materials like fingerprints, blood, hair, fibers, and other trace substances. Forensic scientists employ various techniques to analyze this evidence, aiding in reconstructing events, identifying suspects, and reinforcing legal arguments.
The field comprises several specialized areas. Forensic pathology determines the cause of death through autopsies, while forensic toxicology detects drugs, alcohol, and other toxic substances in biological samples. Other branches include forensic anthropology, which studies human remains to determine identity and cause of death, forensic odontology, which uses dental records for identification and bite mark analysis, and forensic entomology, which examines insects to estimate the time of death and other crime scene details.
Overall, forensic science is crucial in modern criminal justice, providing objective scientific evidence to aid in achieving justice.