Forensic science - what is it?

Forensic science may generally be defined as the application of scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge to assist courts in resolving questions of fact in civil and criminal trials.

Forensic science is carried out by forensic scientists, whose primary objective is the even-handed use of all the available information to determine the facts and ultimately the truth no matter who they are instructed by.

Some of the different disciplines of forensic science have become identified primarily with law enforcement, an image that has been enhanced more recently by television series such as CSI. This is misleading because forensic scientists are involved in all aspects of criminal and civil cases as well as among others, the family courts, immigration and employment tribunals and the results of their work may serve either the prosecution, defence or either side in a hearing as well as acting more recently as a single joint expert.

Forensic science and the work of the forensic scientist does have an impact on the number of cases entering our legal system by assisting the decision makers before a case reaches the court, as the facts developed by the forensic scientist are based on scientific investigation which may convince the prosecution team that the case does not merit a trial or the defence that a guilty plea is the correct one.

The forensic science investigation at times proves the existence of a crime or makes connections to other linked crimes, and the forensic scientist provides information and expert opinion to investigators, solicitors, judges and juries which helps in determining the guilt or innocence of the accused.

Continuity of the forensic science evidence is of paramount importance and there is a necessity for accurate record keeping at every stage in order that the chain of custody of the exhibits can be shown in order that the integrity of the forensic evidence is maintained at all times. To this end the time, date and location of the receipt or subsequent movement of any forensic science exhibit must be meticulously maintained from the moment of seizure to its delivery at the laboratory and movement within, and continued up to its presentation at court if required.

The forensic scientist must make sure that the examination is complete and the tests performed have been done correctly, the interpretation of the scientific data is thorough and that the written report is correct and easily understood by the layman, and finally that the evidence given is complete, unbiased and truthful, anything less is not acceptable.

To find out more about forensic science and how Forensic Access can help you - contact us.