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Forensic science
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<p>Forensic science, often confused with criminalistics, is the application of <a href="/facts/Science/IJoaD7rs">science</a> principles and methods to support legal decision-making in matters of <a href="/facts/Criminal_law/XXfgv9as">criminal</a> and <a href="/facts/Civil_law_(legal_system)/R878oQ6V">civil law</a>. </p><p>During <a href="/facts/Criminal_investigation/6Q0FS8G4">criminal investigation</a> in particular, it is governed by the legal standards of <a href="/facts/Admissible_evidence/QGQKaheH">admissible evidence</a> and <a href="/facts/Criminal_procedure/aHPTLoJk">criminal procedure</a>. It is a broad field utilizing numerous practices such as the analysis of <a href="/facts/Genetic_analysis/mBppwMUv">DNA</a>, <a href="/facts/Fingerprint/5WLcd20T">fingerprints</a>, <a href="/facts/Bloodstain_pattern_analysis/TkRjcfJe">bloodstain patterns</a>, <a href="/facts/Firearm/GuHx4aGE">firearms</a>, <a href="/facts/Ballistics/3WHTox0u">ballistics</a>, <a href="/facts/Toxicology/L6XHRIJH">toxicology</a>, <a href="/facts/Microscopy/GpHlElDS">microscopy</a>, and fire debris analysis. </p><p>Forensic scientists collect, preserve, and analyze <a href="/facts/Evidence/d5IGUK0U">evidence</a> during the course of an investigation. While some forensic scientists travel to the scene of the crime to collect the evidence themselves, others occupy a laboratory role, performing analysis on objects brought to them by other individuals. Others are involved in analysis of financial, banking, or other numerical data for use in financial crime investigation, and can be employed as consultants from private firms, academia, or as government employees. </p><p>In addition to their laboratory role, forensic scientists testify as <a href="/facts/Expert_witness/DxyLYY51">expert witnesses</a> in both criminal and civil cases and can work for either the <a href="/facts/Prosecutor/3kHvlXkC">prosecution</a> or the defense. While any field could technically be <i>forensic</i>, certain sections have developed over time to encompass the majority of forensically related cases. </p>