The overall goal of a forensic scientist is to determine the facts using all the available resources they were given. They give their expert opinion to the attorneys, judge, and jury, and depending on how well prepared they are, can sway the jury to either a guilty or innocent verdict (Thinkquest 2014). In general, a forensic expert must keep impeccable records of all that has b...
Forensic science is specialized in finding proof and evidence to analyze and search for clues. When crimes are done, criminals frequently leave behind evidence at the crime scene. Crime Investigators (AKA- CSIs) and Medical Examiners (MEs) the inspect the evidence left at the crime scene for leads to who did what. They try and rebuild the scene using the evidence and proof that they have. Forensic science has played a great role in finding evidence for crimes in history because it helps find the person who did wrong, the perpetrator, and it helps bring justice to the case. Forensics now are better than before because technological advances like DNA testing has been made, which takes forensics to a whole new level.
Forensic science has now been recognized as an important part of the law enforcement team to help solve crimes and cold cases. The advances in technology are being used each day and we must continue to strive to develop better advances in this field. The recent discovery of using DNA in criminal cases has helped not only positively identify the suspect, but it has helped exonerate hundreds of innocent individuals. “With new advances in police technology and computer science, crime scene investigation and forensic science will only become more precise as we head into the future.” (Roufa, 2017) Forensic science and evidence helps law enforcement officials solve crimes through the collection, preservation and analysis of evidence. By having a mobile crime laboratory, the scene gets processed quicker and more efficiently. Forensic science will only grow in the future to be a benefit for the criminal justice
In order to understand how to compile evidence for criminal cases, we must understand the most effective types of evidence. This topic is interesting because there are ample amounts of cases where defendants have gotten off because of the lack of forensic evidence. If we believe forensic evidence is so important and it affects our decisions, then maybe we need to be educated on the reality of forensic evidence. If we can be educated, then we may have a more successful justice system. If we have a more successful justice system than the public could gain more confidence that justice will be served. In order to do this, we must find what type of evidence is most effective, this can be done by examining different types of evidence.
Forensic science has been in practice for centuries; the first textbook on forensic science was printed in China during the 1200's; in the early 1800's, a technique was developed the first test to identify arsenic in the blood stream; the early 1900's lead to the development of using fingerprinting to identify victims and suspects. While these discoveries where important in criminal investigation, they were only the beginning. Only recently has forensic science significantly refined its techniques and accuracy. Today scientists can locate, identify and trace the tiniest of particles, and identify victims and suspects, beyond a reasonable doubt through DNA analysis. This evolution in forensic science is a prosecutor's dream; while a defense attorney's nightmare. Forensic science has made great strides.
In order to understand Forensic Anthropology we must break it down into the components. According to Oxford American Dictionary the term Forensic is significant to the use of scientific methods to investigate a crime. Anthropology is defined by Oxford American Dictionary as the study of societies, cultures, and human origins. The combination of both, Forensic and Anthropology, consists of applying the principles which are introduced by Anthropologists to solving a crime. Forensic Anthropology is currently a small field but is expected to grow in the upcoming years due how it is being portrayed in books, television shows, classes, and many other resources. The usage of this field is becoming crucial because of how gruesome the crimes being committed by criminals are becoming. Although Forensic Anthropology is currently a small field it requires a lot of education, carries plenty of job responsibilities, and continues to aid in the solving of crimes.
Forensic anthropology is the study of bones in relation to a criminal investigation. Some have probably seen it used on television, but this is not an accurate portrayal of what this truly is. Many times, this area of forensic science is hidden from the public eye; people only get to see all of the glamorous parts. What they do not see is all of the hard work and effort that is put in to get the job correctly done. This career is a rare decision for someone to choose, because of the lack of opportunity for employment positions as well as the low income per year; however, it is an extremely fascinating occupation. Forensic anthropology has been known to help many organizations, including museums, and law enforcement agencies.
Forensic psychology is one of the newest sections of psychology and has been recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA). Psychology is known as the science of mental processes and behavior. The term forensic means different scientific techniques and tests that correlate to a discovery of a crime. When combining the two together, forensic psychology can be defined as “The use of psychology in evaluating mental processes and behaviors within the application to several justice systems” (Bartol & Bartol).
Psychology is known as the study of the mind including human behaviors and processes that the mind goes through. However, psychology is a board major in which a student must specialist in order to further pursue a career that is designed for them. Forensic psychology is a narrow focus of the broader field of psychology, which requires a degree and a strong community to obtain a desired salary. With this field, a forensic psychologist works in a field of both law and criminal investigation. Therefore, this specialty allows for a mix of both psychology and the law to someone interested in both career paths.
The 20th century was a pivotal time period for psychology. During this time period many sub-disciplines of psychology were created which in essence contributed to the growth and further development of psychology. One of those sub-disciplines of psychology that seems to constantly grow and has gained momentum over the years has been forensic psychology. Although Munsterberg was not the first to suggest that psychology should be applied to the law, instead it was Freud in 1906 during a speech to an Australian judge that there are factors within psychology that should be applied to the law. Although he was the man behind the discovery of forensic psychology and several other sub-disciplines of psychology.
No matter what the case, forensic science has monumentally changed criminal investigation. From computer technology to fingerprint analysis, forensic science has played a key role in thousands of cases. The partnership between the law and forensic sciences has changed the justice system like no other investigative tool: the intelligence provided by this technology is instrumental for both exonerations and convictions alike.
Forensics consists of many related job titles including DNA analysts, bloodstain pattern analysts, forensic ballistics expert, and crime scene investigators. All the jobs offer different locations of employment. Becoming a forensic scientist does not limit you to one specific area but allows you to explore different options. As a forensic scientist, you can work in law enforcement, locally or through the state police. You can also work in crime laboratories, federal agencies, and hospitals.
To be a forensic scientist, you need a bachelor’s degree in natural sciences and a master’s degree in forensic science. Some things they need to know to be a forensic scientist are math, chemistry, and biology. The most important thing to major in is something that provides extensive course work in math and 24 academic units of biology or chemistry. When you are new to the job, you have to pass a proficiency exam and it has to be approved by the laboratory before you can actually start working alone and on different casework. When you are trained, some things you have to do are DNA analysis, drug analysis, trace evidence, do fingerprints, and many other different things you need to learn how to do before you start the job. Training might last anywhere between 6 months or up to about 2 years to make sure that you are ready and know how to do everything you need to do before you start the job.
Carmichael, L. E. (2015). Forensic science: in pursuit of justice. Minneapolis, MN: Abdo Publishing, an imprint of Abdo Publishing.
Today, there are TV shows such as Crime Scene Investigation and Naval Crime Scene Investigation that use technology developed for real-life forensic science teams, individuals who are responsible for collecting evidence at a crime scene. Since technology is constantly entering every aspect of our lives, there is no doubt that solving crimes is becoming much easier than in past decades and the field of forensic science is one of the fastest growing in the United States. Even though technology has advanced over the years to improve the quality of the science, there is always room for improvement. Up-and-coming advancements in DNA testing, computers, forensic ballistics, 3-D imaging, alternate light photography, and forensic Carbon-14 dating are having great effects in forensic science.