What is Forensics?

Forensics is the art of public speaking. The Latin root of the word comes from forum -- the place where legal arguments and debate took place in ancient Rome. Evidence at court in those early days was primarily of the verbal kind such as witness statements, defense and prosecutorial arguments.* A school forensics league is a place for students to learn poise, confidence, and all the aspects of verbal declamation needed in front of an audience. It is not only for those who enjoy acting (and talking in class!), but also for the shy and nervous who want to learn how to give better presentations and reports at school -- and in life.

*Today, evidence is of a scientific nature (fingerprints, DNA, etc.) as well as that of an oral one, leading to the term "Forensic Science."