The Definition of Forensics
Forensics is a scientific field that uses technical and legal principles and concepts to provide objective evidence for use in the civil as well as the criminal court systems. Forensics is based on primarily two sciences: chemistry and biology. It also assimilates disciplines, such as medicine, geology, engineering, physics, social science and computer science. Forensics is heavily relied upon in crime scene investigations to produce evidence that may range from microscopic analysis of blood drops to finding assets hidden away in some remote location of the world.
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Function
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Since the mid-1990's, forensics has developed into a large field with many different categories consisting of a variety of professions. Most people are familiar with the crime scene investigator who scours the crime scene looking for that one piece of evidence that connects a suspect to the same of the crime. Another popular forensics professional is the pathologist who performs an autopsy to establish the manner and time of death of the deceased. However, there are other professions that play important roles in forensics, including: nursing, accounting, computers, archeology, dentistry, medicine and psychology.
Engineering
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Engineering is also a sub-field under the forensics umbrella. Forensic engineering is the field that applies engineering theories and principles in issues related to the legal system. The knowledge and expertise of architects engineers and safety professional may result in forensic consulting or providing expert testimony, for example, on the collapse of a structure.
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Computer Forensics
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Computer forensics, also referred to as cyberforensics, is the process of applying computer science to examine and analyze the hard drive of a computer for evidence that can be used in court. First, the analyst must take the proper steps to secure any hardware or software and immediately makes a digital coy of the computer's hard disk and the original is locked away.
They investigate the digital copy of the disk using methods and tools (special hardware and software) and a well-structured set of procedures to reclaim files, folders, URL's and other information that were deleted, destroyed, encrypted, written over or hidden on the system. If any evidence is found, the investigator must complete a finding report. They must then corroborate what they found with the original drive. They typically provide testimony in court regarding their findings.
Nursing Forensics
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Nursing is quickly becoming recognized as an integral component in the legal process. Often, their skills and knowledge as health care professionals enable them to span the gap between forensic science and the medical field. They are able to identify, gather and properly record information and facts that may ultimately be used in civil and legal matters. Their responsibilities can encompass tasks, such as amassing evidence on offenders, assisting victims of traumatic events or testifying as an expert witness in legal proceedings.
DNA Analysis
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DNA analysis is an area of forensics that is used in crime scene investigations. DNA is genetic material that is found in nearly every human cell. Each person's genetic makeup is different, with the exception being identical twins. This unique aspect of DNA is what is focused on to eliminate a person as a suspect. Conversely, it is also used to put a suspect at the scene of a crime. Almost all surfaces may have traces of human biological cells, including skin, hair, semen blood, saliva or other bodily fluids.
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