If you have watched a show or a movie about a criminal case trial, you would have heard the word forensics. it is used by lawyers when they are presenting evidence based on forensic investigation. We tend to associate the term forensics with criminal law. However, forensic investigation is not limited to just criminal cases but is applied in other types of cases such as computer forensics, etc.
What is Forensic Investigation in Criminal law?
A forensic investigation can be understood as determining evidence and facts about a crime to be presented in a court trial. In a criminal case, a forensic investigation is conducted to find physical evidence for the case.
Forensic investigation is the process of using science to establish facts or evidence to be used for crime-based trials. It is used in criminal cases to uncover scientific evidence to prove the guilt of the accused. It can also be used to help release a defendant who had been wrongly accused. Forensic investigation has a vital role to play in criminal cases especially cases of violent crime.
Forensic investigation forms a vital part of criminal investigation because it helps identify the suspect and establish when and how the crime was committed.
Types of Evidence Uncovered by Forensic Investigation:
- Biological evidence such as blood splatter, urine, saliva, seminal stains, etc., This evidence discloses the DNA of the person/s present at the scene of the crime.
- Trace evidence like microscopic elements such as hair, dust, fiber, etc., that might be transferred.
- Evidence could also be impression evidence like fingerprints, tire tracks, etc. Such evidence helps connect people to the crime scene or the victim.
- The forensic investigation also includes weapon identification procedures. Microscopic investigation of firearms and tools is carried out. The purpose of this investigation is to match weapons to wounds. It also helps identify the weapon used for committing the crime and connect it with the suspect.
- Drugs or drug paraphernalia were gathered from the scene of the crime.
- Natural or synthetic materials such as clothing, bedsheet, mattress, carpet cutting, paper, metal, etc.
- If an unnatural death has occurred, the medical examiner or coroner is granted the authority to conduct an autopsy to establish the cause and manner of death.
- A forensic toxicologist works with the pathologist to determine the role of alcohol, drugs, poison, etc. that may have caused the death of the victim.
The evidence collected during the investigation is sent to the forensic lab for analysis. The forensic department analyzes the evidence gathered by the authorities and prepares a detailed report that provides important details about the crime and helps identify the suspect.
Forensic investigation is an integral part of an investigation in a criminal case. It provides authentic evidence about the case. Forensic experts are often asked to present their findings in court.
The forensic investigation may also feature in civil cases. In criminal cases, forensics is a part of the investigation for criminal offenses such as murder, rape, assault, battery, etc. If you are facing criminal charges, you will need expert criminal lawyers to defend you. Find the best criminal lawyers at Autrey Law Firm!