Criminalistics

Criminalistics, while often called forensics, is actually a subdivision of forensic science that encompasses a wide variety of scientific disciplines, such as toxicology, anthropology, and odontology. The primary purpose of this field is to identify, gather, analyze, and interpret physical evidence found at a crime scene, as well as present it in court. The gathering and analyzing of evidence is paramount to forming a case, prosecuting the perpetrator, and convincing the judge and jury. Without relevant physical evidence, there would be little else to present in court other than eye witness statements and testimonies provided by the defendant and plaintiff. Physical evidence provides the most accurate portrayal of a crime and can directly link …show more content…
Possible disciplines include, but are definitely not limited to, physical chemistry, toxicology, pharmacology, anatomy, and anthropology. Anatomy and anthropology work in unison to allow investigators do have a thorough understanding of the human body, its dimensions, and variations in characteristics in regard to race, sex, and health, among others. This understanding of the human body aids investigators in determining a victim or suspect’s physical profile so that identification is less troublesome for a common citizen. Likewise, pharmacology and toxicology work in concert to allow criminalists to identify any substances found in or around the crime scene, suspect, or victim, as well as provide possible causes of death. Physical chemistry, or the study of the relation between microscopic, subatomic, macroscopic, et cetera, phenomena and physics, such as quantum chemistry or thermodynamics. This can be used by criminalists in several circumstances, such as blood splatter analysis to detect the speed and force with which the victim was …show more content…
Foremost, the accuracy of any technologies used to identify, collect, and/or analyse evidence has a major impact on the outcome of a case. If a piece of evidence is improperly analysed, such as a contaminated DNA sample, then an individual could be wrongly accused. To avoid this as much as possible, only the most relevant and accurate of forensic technologies should be used. The techniques that are less accurate should merely be used as an extension of the data found by more precise technologies in order to further strengthen an argument. Ethical issues can also affect the way evidence is collected and examined. For example, digital surveillance for Xbox (XFT device) is a technology used by authorities to access hidden files on Xbox hard drives and record access sessions that can be replayed during court hearings in real time. One major issue that could arise from this technology is an invasion of privacy, which could subvert an entire case. This technology should be carefully regulated to ensure all regulations are being followed and that it only be used when there is a strong suspicion of foul play. A criminalist must also ensure that he or she provides an unbiased, straightforward presentation of the evidence to jurors so that the defendant is indeed innocent until proven guilty. Little can be done to completely avoid bias in cases, though measures can be taken to regulate criminalists’