Why Is Forensic Science Important

Forensic evidence plays a huge role in most criminal cases. After the Daubert trial, forensic scientific evidence was reevaluated in criminal and civil cases. Scientific and forensic types of evidence can be extremely helpful in proving the case. It can help identify the suspect in a criminal case. That will help put a criminal in prison. There are many different types of forensic evidence that can be considered as scientific evidence. The different types include DNA matching, fingerprint identification, and hair evidence. The methods used to show these types of evidence are usually beyond the scope of knowledge that judges and juries know. Those types of forensic evidence are usually introduced as scientific evidence. Scientific evidence can sometimes be omitted from a courtroom or

The most reliable type of forensic evidence is DNA, but it is still not perfect, and the results should be portrayed that way in court. The reason DNA evidence is so accurate is because it is highly objective. This objectivity makes it far less likely that an error will be made during the analysis of the DNA sample. However, errors are still possible. For example, samples may be switched or contaminated which could give a false result. There are two different kinds of DNA evidence, simple-mixture/single-source samples and complex-mixture samples. “The vast majority of DNA analysis currently involves samples from a single individual or from a simple mixture of two individuals (such as from a rape kit) . . . the

People all around the world are becoming interested in forensic science. Students across the nation are taking courses in this very popular science. Many colleges are adopting classes and majors just for it. Why has this science become so popular? Is it because of the lack of people in the field now, and the overwhelming job opportunities that come with a degree in forensic science? Is it because the field is so interesting, and catchy that everyone is flooding to be in the programs? Or is the recent growth of this field due to the numerous television and media coverage of the subject? One thing is for sure, people really are starting to get interested in this field, and it is getting

This could be anything like DNA evidence to forensic evidence. A survey was conducted in order to see the correlation between the type of evidence that should be used, and people who watch CSI types of shows. The results showed that 46% of people expected to see scientific evidence in every criminal case, and 22% of people expected to see DNA evidence in every criminal case as well. The findings also indicated that different cases need different types of evidence according to viewers of crime shows. 46% of people expected to see DNA evidence in more violent or serious cases, along with the scientific evidence. In breaking and entering cases, 71% of the people wanted to fingerprint evidence along with the scientific evidence (Shelton,

In the article, “Forensic Science’” by Andrea Campbell, and it’s a strongly emphasized fact that forensic evidence it the most useful and valuable type of evidence to be presented at a court trial. You can easily tell that the author believes this to the fullest of her ability. Forensic evidence is by far the most useful and important evidence you can use.

In order to prove a offender guilty in court police often use forensic evidence as proof instead of others such as testimonies, direct evidence, and circumstantial evidence because it is the most reliable and important type of evidence as stated in “Forensic: Evidence, Clues, and Investigation” by Andrea Campbell.

Kids in high school traditionally have a relatively low interest in science because they might think its boring, or tedious, but when you put something forensic behind it, it makes things more exciting. “Forensic scientists assist various law enforcement agencies throughout the United States and internationally”(Corey). Most police investigations begin at the scene of a crime. The scene is simply defined as the actual site or location in which the crime took place. The entire investigation hangs on that one person being able to use techniques to support and investigate the evidence. When it comes to investigating crime, no matter the level of crime, nothing is more important to a criminal investigator than the use of forensic science. Types of forensic science investigations, evidence, and crime laboratory operations all play a role in the job of a Forensic Science Investigator.

I joined my most important activity freshman year. I participated in forensics despite the fact my heart rate spiked if someone mentioned public speaking. My first year was a constant struggle; I faced my biggest fear and never succeeded at competitions. However, the challenges I endured make the team so important to me; forensics even led me to my closest friends. After talking to more mirrors and taking an honors speech course, I am a captain, mentor, conference champion, and distinguished state competitor. Without forensics, I would never have transformed my biggest fear into one of my strongest skills.

The proper gathering, handling and processing of trace evidence is a vital part of any investigation. Because not all cases are cut and dry, the criminals are not caught in the act, having the proper evidence can speak volumes. As stated previously, hair, fingerprints, and biological fluid stains are just some of the common types of trace evidence however, as technology continues to push forward, more and more evidence and ways of testing is coming to light.

Another way that forensic science has impacted the judicial process is through appeals. With the increase in forensic science being used in the courtroom for trial, it has also increased in the use for appeals. The Innocence Project, created by Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld who were the lawyers in the previously mentioned New York case, is an advocacy group that strives to exonerate wrongfully convictions individuals through DNA evidence and lead reform efforts to the criminal justice system. Since the Innocence Project began in 1992, they have exonerated almost 350 individuals through DNA testing with about 150 of the actual offenders being found.

Fingerprints which also includes the palm prints, and the bare footprints are known to be the best evidence to place for proof that an individual was at the scene of a crime.

Forensic science borrows from a number of sciences which include: physics, Biology and chemistry. It therefore involves examination of a wide spectrum as compared to any other method of investigation. Due to the wide spectrum of investigation and evidence analysis the method offers; it ensures that the results are accurate and can be used in the court of law to make a decision. The method establishes the existence of a crime, the connection between the crimes and the

Forensic scientists help investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing evidence, working full time during normal business hours. Forensic scientists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or biology. They often work in groups or teams with specialists and other law enforcement personnel.

Forensic science has become an invaluable asset throughout many facets of the criminal justice system. One of those areas that continues to draw interest among law enforcement and court officials, rests in the process of preserving and gathering evidence and the utilization of criminal investigating tools to analyze and reconstruct crimes. The technology and advancements in forensic science over the past decade has led to new breakthrough methods for identifying and understanding physical and trace evidence such as DNA, fingerprints, blood, and foreign substances. Crime itself has existed since the beginning of mankind, with continuous increase in yearly criminal acts, murders, and the overcrowding of prisons, forensic science technology has been catapulted as a priority in the battle to ensure justice continues to be the foundation Americas criminal system.

One of the questions that have been presented toward the law enforcement field is whether or not forensic science should be trusted when presented as evidence in a court case. Some people believe that forensic science has evolved well enough and has now become a legitimate way to know what happened during a crime. Other people believe that it is an inaccurate method of determining what happened during a crime and that it is not appropriate to present as evidence and should rely on other methods instead.