Question

Summarize how improvements in forensic science have impacted the criminal justice system.

Answer 1

Forensic science is the application to law matters of science such as physics, chemistry, biology, computer science and engineering. Forensic science can assist researchers know how patterns of blood spatter happen (physics), learn about the structure and source of proof such as drugs and trace materials (chemistry) or determine an unidentified suspect's identity. By offering scientifically based data through the evaluation of physical evidence, forensic science plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system. Evidence is gathered in a crime scene or from a individual during an inquiry, analyzed in a crime lab and then the findings submitted in court. Each crime scene is unique, and each case presents its own challenges.

It has become crucial for criminal inquiries and prosecutions to collect forensic evidence and apply forensic sciences. Forensic proof fulfills several roles in criminal inquiries :

Prove a crime was committed or identify main aspects of a crime.
Put the suspect in touch with the victim or the scene of the crime.
Establish the identity of criminally-related individuals.
Disclaim the innocent.
Corroborate the testimony of the victim.
Help determine the facts of what happened.

Police staff spend many hours collecting and analyzing forensic evidence, beginning with the crime scene and continuing throughout the inquiry. Prosecutors prefer instances where the −smoking weapon is provided by forensic proof that demonstrates guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Many jurors expect to present forensic proof and there are doubts in their minds about the inability to present forensic analysis crops. The courts have given more importance to physical evidence through decisions that limit the authority of police reliance on statements and confessions by defendants.