FACT FILE 2- forensic scientists/ specialists
Description of role: forensic science involves applying scientific knowledge to crime and the legal
system . forensic scientists use their knowledge to analyse and interpret evidence from a crime
scene. For example they may analyse blood or bodily fluids to extract DNA which they then
compare to a ‘control sample’ taken from a suspect to see if they match. they then write a report
on their findings for the court. forensic scientists generally specialise in certain areas for example
DNA analysis. Other specialisms include the analysis of fires (in arson investigations,) toxicology
(poisons or drugs), computing, psychology and forensic anthropology, which may involve analysis
of human remains found in mass graves, for example as a result of war crimes.
Strengths of role:
● forensic scientists special expertise may be able to identify and interpret evidence that
proves a suspect guilty or innocent.
● their expertise may be essential in complex cases
where the suspect also has specialist knowledge or
skills.
Weakness of role:
● forensic scientists are highly qualified and their services are expensive.
● contamination can occur when analysing evidence.
● forensic experts may disagree, e.g experts called by the defence may disagree with those
called by the prosecution. The courts lack specialist knowledge so may be unable to make
a judgement on which side is right.
● if an expert deliberately or accidentally misleads the court this can lead to a misscarriage
of justice.
Description of role: forensic science involves applying scientific knowledge to crime and the legal
system . forensic scientists use their knowledge to analyse and interpret evidence from a crime
scene. For example they may analyse blood or bodily fluids to extract DNA which they then
compare to a ‘control sample’ taken from a suspect to see if they match. they then write a report
on their findings for the court. forensic scientists generally specialise in certain areas for example
DNA analysis. Other specialisms include the analysis of fires (in arson investigations,) toxicology
(poisons or drugs), computing, psychology and forensic anthropology, which may involve analysis
of human remains found in mass graves, for example as a result of war crimes.
Strengths of role:
● forensic scientists special expertise may be able to identify and interpret evidence that
proves a suspect guilty or innocent.
● their expertise may be essential in complex cases
where the suspect also has specialist knowledge or
skills.
Weakness of role:
● forensic scientists are highly qualified and their services are expensive.
● contamination can occur when analysing evidence.
● forensic experts may disagree, e.g experts called by the defence may disagree with those
called by the prosecution. The courts lack specialist knowledge so may be unable to make
a judgement on which side is right.
● if an expert deliberately or accidentally misleads the court this can lead to a misscarriage
of justice.
