Forensics Science Has Been Around A Long Time

 Forensics science is commonly referred to as “forensics”. This science is comprised of the various applications that go along with different types of crimes, as well as the legal investigations that go with them. While forensics science has been around for a very long time, only in the past five years or so have people become aware thanks to television shows such as CSI Miami and documentaries. In both instances, this science involves going to crime scenes for investigation. From the evidence found, criminals are captured and prosecuted in a court of law.

Interestingly, forensics science has been around since the Roman Empire and many records have been discovered showing it was widely used in Europe, China, and other Far East countries. Then during the 18th century, treaties were commonly used throughout the legal system, supporting forensics medicine in which deaths were determined so a person would be prosecuted if applicable. With forensics medicine, experts in the medical field were able to identify poisoning by finding arsenic in corpses. Over time, forensics science has grown and evolved where today, it is a vital part of police work and prosecution in a court of law.

Forensics Science Covers Many Catagories

Within the area of forensics science are many different categories, which include areas such as forensics geology, forensics toxicology, criminal statistics, computer forensicss, anthropology, and much more. Even though these fields all fall within forensics science, not all relate to the process of justice. As an example, you would also find ethnological, archaeological, and geographical divisions within forensics science. In the case of forensics anthropology, human remains would be studied to help scientists understand cultures and history.

 For many years, controversy has existed with some people saying that some areas of forensics science are not a science at all. A perfect example is forensics dentistry. For a long time, this form of science was used to determine if a set of bite marks belonged to a single person but now, this scientific method has created doubt. In fact, some criminals have been charged with a crime based on bite mart evidence only to be found innocent.

For instance, in 1999, one person had been arrested and convicted but when the American Board of forensics Odontology showed that false identification was greater than 60%, the individual was released from incarceration. While we have seen many exciting changes and advancements in the world of forensics science, the truth is that more work needs to be done.