Work
The work of the forensic scientist may reduce the number of
cases entering the overloaded court system by assisting the
decision-makers before a case reaches the court. The facts
developed by forensic scientists, based on scientific
investigation, not circumstantial evidence or the sometimes
unreliable testimony of witnesses, may convince prosecuting
or defense attorneys, a grand jury, or a judge that an issue
does not merit a court hearing.
The work of the forensic scientist at times proves the
existence of a crime or makes connections to a crime. The
forensic scientist provides information and expert opinion
to investigators, attorneys, judges, and juries which is
helpful in determining the innocence or guilt of the
accused.
The rule of law is based on the belief that the legal
process results in justice. This has come under some
question in recent years. Of course, the forensic scientist
cannot change skepticism and mistrust single-handedly. He
can, however, contribute to restoring faith in judicial
processes by using science and technology in the search for
truth in civil, criminal, and regulatory matters.
The forensic scientist is entirely responsible for the work
he performs; no one else can write his report nor testify to
his opinion. However, it takes teamwork to solve a crime.
Scientists work closely with police officers, sheriff's
deputies, prosecuting and defense attorneys, DEA, CIA, and
FBI agents, immigration workers, and crime scene
investigators, to name a few.
There is a strong requirement for accurate record keeping,
chain-of-custody documentation, stringent quality control,
and data management. Chain-of-custody guarantees that the
integrity of evidence is maintained at all times. The time,
date, location, and signature are required when
transporting a piece of evidence within the laboratory or to
an outside facility.
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This Section
What
is Forensic Science?
What
Do Forensic Scientists Do?
- Work
- Ethics
- Testimony
What's
a Forensic Scientist?
- How Do I Become One?
- How Much Money Will
I Make?
- Where Will I Work?
Kinds
of Forensic Science:
Discipline Sections
Within
the American Academy
of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)
- Criminalistics
- Digital & Multimedia Sciences
- Engineering Sciences
- General
- Jurisprudence
- Odontology
- Pathology/Biology
- Physical Anthropology
- Psychiatry & Behavioral
Science
- Questioned Documents
- Toxicology
Resource
List
Credits
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