Forensics
Forensics or forensic science is the application of science to questions which are of interest to the legal system. For example, forensic pathology is the study of the human body to determine cause and manner of death. Criminalistics is the application of various sciences to answer questions relating to examination and comparison of biological evidence, trace evidence, impression evidence, drugs and firearms. Forensic odontology is the study of the uniqueness of dentition, and forensic toxicology is the study of drugs and poisons, and their effects on the human body.Sherlock Holmes, the fictional character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was, in fact, the inspiration for forensic science. Decades later, the comic strip, Dick Tracy also featured the detective using a considerable number of forensic methods although sometimes the methods were more fanciful. The popular television series depicts a glamorized version of the activities of forensic scientists.
Fortunatus Fidelis
Specialities in forensics include:
- Ballistics
- Criminalistics
- Forensic evidence
- Forensic anthropology
- Forensic pathology
- Forensic odontology
- Forensic toxicology
- Canine forensics
- Forensic genetics
- Computer forensics
- Textile forensics
- Forensic entomology
- Forensic palynology
- Forensic engineering
- Forensic accounting
- Forensic psychiatry
- Questioned document examination
- Serology
- Forensic palaeology -- see diplomatics
See also
Individual events, Debate (forensics, as in speech or debate competitions)