What does forensic science primarily involve?

Forensic science primarily involves the examination, evaluation, and explanation of physical evidence in legal contexts. This discipline focuses on applying scientific principles and methodologies to analyze various types of evidence collected from crime scenes, such as fingerprints, blood samples, hair, fibers, and ballistic materials. The ultimate goal is to assist law enforcement in solving crimes and to provide credible findings that can be used in court to support legal proceedings.

Understanding how physical evidence can be effectively analyzed allows forensic scientists to link suspects to criminal activities, identify victims, and ultimately contribute to the resolution of cases. This aspect distinguishes forensic science from other fields; it is not merely about witness statements, which are more subjective and can vary greatly, or about crime prevention tactics that focus on stopping crimes before they happen. Additionally, while jury selection processes are an important part of the legal system, they do not fall within the scope of forensic science. The focus remains firmly on the scientific analysis that corroborates or challenges evidence presented in legal scenarios.