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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.
The use of "forensics" used in place of "forensic science" could be considered incorrect; the term "forensic" is effectively a synonym for "legal" or "related to courts". However, it is now so closely associated with the scientific field that many dictionaries include the meaning given here.
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Specialities in forensics include:
- Ballistics
- Criminalistics
- Forensic evidence
- Forensic anthropology
- Forensic pathology
- Forensic odontologyForensic odontology (also called Forensic Dentistry deals with the proper handling, examination and evaluation of dental evidence, which will be then presented in the interest of justice. The evidence that may be derived from teeth, is the age (in childre
- Forensic toxicology
- Canine forensics
- Forensic genetics
- Computer forensicsComputer forensics is the analysis of data processing equipment typically a home computer, laptop, server, or office workstation to determine if the equipment has been used for illegal, unauthorized, or unusual activities. It can also include monitoring a
- Textile forensics
- Forensic entomologyForensic entomology is the study of insects, applied to forensics. It deals with what insects lay eggs when and where, and in what order they appear in dead bodies. This can be helpful in determining the time or post mortem interval (PMI) and location of
- Forensic palynologyForensic palynology is the study of pollen and powdered minerals, their identification, and where and when they occur, to ascertain that a body or other object was in a certain place at a certain time. For instance, a dead body may be found in a wood, and
- Forensic engineeringForensic engineering is the investigation of materials, products, structures or components that fail or do not operate/function as intended. A criminal aspect is possible in any investigation but is not always the case.
- Forensic accountingForensic accounting is the specialty practice area of accounting that describes engagements which result from real or anticipated litigation. Broadly speaking, these engagements fall into one of four categories: economic damages, family law, fraud and oth
- Forensic psychiatryForensic psychiatry is the legal application of psychiatry. Forensic psychiatrists work with courts in evaluating an individual's competency to stand trial, defenses based on mental diseases or defects (e. the "insanity" defense), and sentencing recommend
- Questioned document examinationQuestioned document examination is known by many names including forensic document examination document examination handwriting examination and sometime handwriting analysis although that name is not considered appropriate since it might be confused with
- Serology
- Forensic palaeology -- see diplomatics
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