Importance of Forensic Science

Forensic Science Scope and Importance:

What is Forensic Science? Forensic Science (Forensics) is the application of a broad spectrum of sciences to answer questions of interest to a legal system. This may be in relation to a crime or a civil action, in simple language: Forensic Science is any science used for the purposes of the law and crime investigation. It is application of scientific knowledge, principles and techniques for crime investigation. Forensic Scientists, Forensic Experts or Forensic Investigators play a critical role in the justice system by providing scientific information to investigators and the court of law. There are about more than 27 branches of Forensic Sciences, but basic and important branches are- Forensic Physics, Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Biology, Cyber Forensic, Forensic Accounting, Forensic Odontology / Dentistry, Forensic Anthropology, Forensic Medicine, Fingerprint, Forensic Engineering, Forensic Psychology, Serology, Document & Handwriting etc.

Forensics in Court

Forensic experts can appear for either side - prosecution or defence in criminal matters, and plaintiff or defendant in civil ones. They tend to present their findings and opinions in written form either as formal statements of evidence or reports. Sometimes they are required to attend court to give their evidence in person.

Forensic Biology

The forensic biologist who performs serological and DNA analyses of physiological fluids for the purpose of identification and individualization. He typically examined blood, semen and others, collected at crime scenes and from articles of physical evidence. These types of physiological fluids are commonly produced during the commission of violent crimes such as rapes, homicides, hit and run fatalities. Occasionally, the biologist testify in court as an expert witness.

Fingerprinting

A fingerprint is made up of grease and dried sweat left behind by the tips of the fingers. The palms of the hand also leave identifiable prints, as do the soles of the feet.

Analysis of fingerprints is probably the most well known use of forensic science. Each fingertip has a pattern of fine skin ridges that are slightly different for every person - even identical twins. Fingerprints can be detected on a vast range of different surfaces using a variety of techniques.

Forensic Pathology

Forensic Pathology is the legal branch of pathology concerned with:

• Determining cause of death (including murder, accident or unexpected death)
• Examination of some wounds and injuries due to crime or negligence
• Examination of tissue specimens that may be relevant to rape, or other crimes

The examination of dead bodies (autopsy) is closely related to anatomical pathology. The forensic pathologist autopsies bodies and determines the cause of death and all other factors that relate to the body directly. They may attend crime scenes and frequently testify in court.

Forensic pathologists work closely with the Coroner (British) or Medical Examiner (American). In some countries, Coroners are also doctors, but in canada, coroners come from many backgrounds.

Forensic Chemistry/Toxicology

Forensic chemists deal with non-biological substances, such as paint, potential fire accelerants, glass, fibres and textiles, plastics, building products, safe insulation and commercial products. Forensic toxicologists deal mainly with body fluids to determine, for example, the level of alcohol or drugs a person has consumed and how these toxins would affect the person

Forensic Firearms Identification or (Ballistics Fingerprint)

A disciple of forensic science which has as its primary concern to determine if a bullet, cartridge case or other ammunition component was fired in a particular firearm to the exclusion of all others Sometimes incorrectly referred to as ballistics, firearms identification can be defined as: The identification of fired bullets, cartridge cases or other ammunition components as having been fired from a specific firearm.

Forensic Science Career:

Govt. Sector

Police Department, Crime Branches, CBI, CID, Forensic Science Laboratories, IB, Banks, Defense/Army, Courts, Quality Control Bureau, Narcotics Dept., Universities, Hospitals, Organizations etc.

Private Sector

Detective Agencies, Banks, Insurance Companies, Universities, Hospitals, Security Services Agencies, Lawyers/Advocates, Law Firms, Private Companies, Own Private Practice etc.

Shortage Of Forensic Experts In Nigeria and Africa

Unraveled cases of murders that dot Africa criminal justice system have been blamed on the lack of forensic experts. This gap has rendered justice impotent. Wherever there is a murder, arson, robbery, kidnapping, the Government will come out as usual to tell the citizen that the police will fish out the culprit, but the citizen know the crime will remain unraveled going by the high number of crimes especially political motivated murders, that have gone unresolved in the continent for more than three decades.

Disaster Management

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa has had its own share of mass disaster, especially man-made disaster. The full investigation of these mass disasters as well as the forensic identification of the victims has largely been ineffective largely due to lack of adequate forensics experts

Conditions of Prisons In Nigeria

The Nigeria prisons are overcrowded which in many ways leads to the dehumanisation of the inmates of these so-called correctional facilities (Yemi Osibajo) many of these inmates are kept in prisons for want of evidence which can only be provided by forensic investigations.