Forensic science

Article By:

Barnett, Peter D. Forensic Science Associates, Richmond, California.

Last reviewed:January 2020

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.757510

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• Criminalistics, published December 2018:Download PDF Get Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Criminalistics, published June 2014:Download PDF Get Adobe Acrobat Reader

The science and profession dealing with the recognition, collection, identification, individualization, and interpretation of physical evidence, and the application of the natural sciences to law-science matters. The term for forensic science (criminalistics) originated from the book Handbuch für Untersuchungsrichter als System der Kriminalistik (3d ed., 1898) by Hans Gross, an investigating magistrate and professor of criminology at the University of Prague. He described the need for a scientifically trained investigator who could undertake certain technical aspects of an investigation and could also serve as liaison between scientific specialists who might assist in the investigation of criminal activity. This concept was popular in Europe, where forensic science institutes were developed to apply the tools and techniques of the natural sciences to the investigation of crime and, generally, in official governmental inquiries. See also: Forensic science evidence

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