- Modern forensic science dates back to 1776 when Carl Wilhelm Scheele of Sweden began using his knowledge of chemistry to find traces of arsenic in dead bodies. The field swiftly blossomed into an investigative science. Valetin Ross of Germany and James Marsh of Britain both were able to detect traces of poison in dead bodies. Forensic science solved its first murder case in the early 1800s.
- The basic function of forensic science is to determine what happened in a specific event or object based upon a combination of physiology, psychology, archaeological analysis and logic. For the United States' legal system, forensic science is an effective method of discovering truth and for solving criminal and civil cases.
- Forensic scientists have a large arsenal for tackling their investigations. A murder case might involve the use of fingerprint analysis, ballistics, DNA profiling, footwear analysis, bloodstain pattern analysis, the use of cyber technology and computers that specialize in polymer engineering.
- More than 14 subdivisions exist within forensic science. Forensics used in criminal cases are often called criminalistics. This is when investigators study the biological clues, as well as environmental and physiological clues. Most evidence under examination is taken to a controlled crime lab. Digital forensic scientists investigate electronic and digital media involved in a criminal case. Forensic archeologists and anthropologists study human remains and other skeletal fossils. Forensic DNA analysis specialists can determine the identity and the maternal or paternal relationships of suspects and victims. Forensic entomologists investigate any and all insects involved or around a crime scene. Forensic geologists study any geological matter, such as soil, in a case. Forensic meteorologists study what the weather conditions were as a crime took place. Other types of forensic scientists include forensic odontologists, forensic pathologists, forensic psychologists and forensic toxicologists.
- The mission of forensic science is to find the truth. Some of America's most intriguing civil and criminal cases have required full teams of forensic scientists. All effort is geared toward painting an unbiased picture of what happened. Having an efficient forensic science department assures a high level of accuracy when convicting and acquitting suspects.
