Branches of Forensic Science

Forensic Science is an applied science. It is the study of scientific principles used to solve crimes and help judiciary systems. It derives it principles and techniques from basic sciences that’s why it has various number of branches. Forensic science is a multidisciplinary field that applies scientific principles and techniques to the investigation of crimes and legal matters. There are several branches or subfields of forensic science, each with its own specialized areas of expertise. The following are some common branches of forensic science. Click on it to read in detail.

branches of forensic science

Forensic science can be further classified into a number of branches:

CRIMINALISTICS

Criminalistics is the application of science which uses to collect, examine, identifying and comparing evidences  such as biological, trace, ballistics, impression evidence and other related to investigation.

Criminalistics

FORENSIC BIOLOGY

Forensic biology section examine evidence for the presence of body fluids such as blood, semen, saliva, DNA analysis, etc.

FORENSIC CHEMISTRY

Forensic chemistry for detection, recognition and examination of illicit drugs, explosive and gunshot residue. Basically This branch deals with all the tests to detect the presence of various chemicals.

FORENSIC PHYSICS

In this branch of forensic science we study of buildings, ballistics, bombs, blood spatters, soil, glass, fiber, etc.

FORENSIC DOCUMENT EXAMINATION

In Forensic document examination, examination of disputed documents carry out through scientific methods. Questioned document examination is set of standard procedure for comparison and identification of original and forge document, disputed wills and official papers.

FORENSIC PATHOLOGY

The branch of pathology that deals with the examination of a corpse to determine the cause of death.

FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

Forensic Psychology is the application of psychology to legal and criminal matters. Forensic psychologists study criminals and their crimes to draw conclusions about the personality traits of the perpetrators and thus assist in criminal profiling.

FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY

Forensic Toxicology is The study of poisons and drugs. In Toxicology, presence of toxic substance inside a body and the effect that they had on the individual are analysed and examined.

FORENSIC BOTANY

Forensic Botany is the study and examination of plant-based evidence. Such as; leaves, flowers, wood, fruits, seeds, pollen.

FORENSIC SEROLOGY

The study of viscera and various body fluids.

FORENSIC BALLISTICS

Forensic Ballistics involves the analysis of any evidence related to firearms (bullets, bullet marks, shell casings, gunpowder residue etc.).

TRACE EVIDENCE ANALYSIS

Going by Locard’s Principle that “everything leaves a contact”, trace evidence analysis provides crucial links to the perpetrator. Trace evidence is anything that is transferred during the commitment of a crime such as human/animal hair, rope, soil, fabric fibers, feathers, building materials etc. Trace Evidence Analysis involves the recovery of such evidence and their forensic examination to obtain information that can be used in the court of law in association with a case or to answer any other legal query.

FORENSIC PODIATRY

Forensic Podiatry deals with the application of specific podiatric knowledge i.e. an understanding of the abnormalities and diseases of the ankle, foot, and lower body, and lower limb anatomy, and musculoskeletal function. This is particularly helpful in the investigation of foot-based evidence with respect to a criminal incident.

FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY / FORENSIC DENTISTRY

Forensic Odontology is also known as study of teeth involves the proper handling, analysis, and evaluation of any form of dental evidence that would be later used as a legal evidence in the court of law. Criminal investigations comprising bite marks largely involve the discipline of Forensic Odontology.

FORENSIC MEDICINE

Forensic medicine science dealing with the post-mortem examination of the dead body.

FORENSIC ENTOMOLOGY

Forensic Entomology involves the application and study of the biology of insects and other arthropods to solve criminal cases. It use to determining time or place of death, by examination of insects in, on and around human remains.

FORENSIC LINGUISTICS

Forensic Linguistics involves the application of linguistic knowledge and methods to criminal investigations and judicial proceedings. It’s involved in the examination of forensic texts such as emergency calls, demands of ransom, suicide notes, social media and death row statements.

FORENSIC GEOLOGY / GEOFORENSICS

Forensic Geology or Geoforensics deals with the examination of evidence related to materials found in the Earth such as oil, petroleum, minerals, soil, rocks and the lake.

FORENSIC ENGINEERING

It involves the application of engineering principles for the investigation and analysis of such mechanical and structural failures. Such as building and bridges collapse and similar things.

FORENSIC DNA ANALYSIS

It uses in criminal investigations, comparing criminal suspect’s profile to DNA evidence to establish their involvement in crime. It also uses in determining family relationship, and identifying disaster victims. The biological evidence used for DNA profiling include hair, skin, semen, urine, blood, saliva and even body remains in burn cases.

FORENSIC ARCHEOLOGY

Such techniques along with the use of photography and imaging enable forensic archeologists to assist the police and investigating officers to identify the site where the victim’s body and personal items, or robbed goods are buried.

FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY

It uses for analyzing bones, skeletal of humans or Animals through recovery and examination. Forensic anthropologists can examine human bodies/skeletons to help identify the individuals and arrive at the cause of death.

DIGITAL FORENSICS

It is mostly used in the investigation of cybercrimes. This branch mainly dealing with the cyber-crimes and online frauds etc.

FORENSIC DACTYLOSCOPY / FORENSIC FINGERPRINTS

Forensic fingerprint is the study of fingerprints.

FORENSIC ACCOUNTING

Forensic Accounting is the study and analysis of accounting evidence.

Career As A Forensic Accountant Or Forensic Auditor
Father’s of Various branches of Forensic Science

Know More About Forensic Science in Detail; Read

“A Closer Look On Forensic Science”

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