Introduction
Forensic science is the application of scientific knowledge and methodology to legal concepts and criminal investigations ( Kurland, 2009) . With respect to criminal investigations, it’s governed by the standards of admissible evidence and criminal procedure. Forensic science intends to prove the existence of criminal activity, the perpetration of such like crime or the connection that exists between a crime and all associated proceedings, and this is the only attainable by mean of the examination of physical evidence, the administration of predetermined tests, and the interpretation of data that’s been obtained courtesy of clearly concise reporting as well as factual testimonies by forensic scientists. The three major groups of forensic scientists are pathologists, forensic scientists and thirdly, associated scientists such as forensic odontologists and botanists ( Kurland, 2009) .
History of Forensic Science .
During the middle ages in Europe, there were many cases of poisoning that usually would go undetected. However, in the 19 th century, there was a major breakthrough, and this ensured that corpses could be checked in order to determine whether or not there had been any harmful toxic substances which had caused the deaths. Also, during this period, scientists discovered that people had unique fingerprints and blood groups, and this was helpful, seeing as all fingerprints left behind at the crime scene could now be traced back to their bearers. Julius Ceaser , in the 15 th century, became the first person on whose body an autopsy was performed as part of the medical procedures upon death. A French doctor, Ambroise Pare, made major breakthroughs towards forensic science through his study of trauma on organs. Further, Eugene Francois Vidoqc invented the application of ballistic information in criminal investigations ( Parker, 2015) . Notably, also, James Marsh applied science tests in order to help unravel a murder, where a man had killed his grandfather through arsenic poisoning ( Parker, 2015) . This is the premise upon which the Marsh test, as applied in criminal investigations across the world, is set. In the late 1980’s and in the 1990’s, there were major breakthroughs in DNA profiling in relation to criminal investigations. Later on, fingerprint identification was established in as far as forensic science could possibly be concerned
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Conclusion
Forensic science has been a major breakthrough in regards to the resolutions of crime in recent years. This has, therefore, helped state investigative departments to ensure that arrests are made successfully and that prosecutorial powers are effectively applied.
References
Kurland, M. (2009). Irrefutable evidence: Adventures in the history of forensic science . Chicago: Ivan R. Dee.
Parker, R. J. (2015). Forensic analysis and DNA in criminal investigations: Including cold cases solved . Toronto, Ont.: RJ Parker Pub.
