Role of the Forensic Scientist
The forensic sciences form a vital part of the entire
justice and regulatory system. Still, some of its disciplines
have become identified primarily with law enforcement, an
image enhanced by television and movies. This is misleading
because forensic scientists may be involved in all aspects
of a criminal case, and the results of their work may serve
either the defense or the prosecution. The forensic scientist's
skill is to use all the information available to determine
facts.
Though closely identified with the criminal justice system,
the forensic scientist plays an increasingly active role
in the civil justice arena. Issues of law and/or fact that
may require forensic science expertise range from questions
of the validity of a signature on a will, to a claim of
products liability, to questions of whether a corporation
is complying with environmental laws.
The work of the forensic scientist reduces 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 often show either
the prosecuting or defending attorneys that an issue does
not merit a court hearing. This decision is based on scientific
investigation, not circumstantial evidence or the sometimes
unreliable testimony of witnesses.
The legal system 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 or she can,
however, contribute to restoring faith in judicial processes
by using science and technology in the search for facts
in civil, criminal, and regulatory matters.
