The Definition of Forensic Science

            The NIST (The National Institute of Standards and Technology) definition of Forensic Science is the use of the scientific methods or expertise to investigate crimes or examine evidence that might be presented in a court of law.

The Importance of Forensics

            I would like to take Forensic Scientist and look at it under the microscope. Forensic Science is so important because it is unbiased and strictly just follows the scientific method. Forensic Science is the sole voice of the evidence, it isn’t the voice of the defense or the prosecution. This is the most important part to remember.

Speaking for the Evidence

            Physical evidence cannot speak to the jury and some evidence requires expertise to extract the information from the evidence and convert it to layman’s terms. This may be a fingerprint examiner decoding a fingerprint and comparing it to other prints and giving their conclusion/opinion of the comparison based on their experience. This can also be a drug chemist who can take a white powder and determine the makeup and conclude if there is an absence or presence of a controlled substance.  Just remember when analyzing the evidence or testifying to a conclusion that you are the voice of the evidence and you do not care who “side” it benefits. The only benefit is conveying the correct information to the Jury.

Can be Used to Prove Innocence or Guilt

            A Forensic Scientist’s conclusion/opinion may lead the Jury to establish the guilt or innocence of a subject. Many people believe that the conclusion of a Forensic Scientist is mostly used to establish guilt, but just as frequently the conclusion also proves someone’s innocence. Proving innocence can give the subject their freedom back and can allow the investigation to move on to find the correct person if applicable. A note should be made that the establishment of guilt and innocence is up to the Jury to decide and for the lawyers to persuade. The Scientist’s goal is only to give the information that the evidence has provided, no more and no less.