Forensic science (often shortened to forensics) is the application of a broad spectrum of sciences to answer questions of interest to the legal system. This may be in relation to a crime or to a civil action. The use of the term "forensics" in place of "forensic science" could be considered incorrect; the term "forensic" is effectively a synonym for "legal" or "related to courts" (from Latin, it means "before the forum"). However, it is now so closely associated with the scientific field that many dictionaries include the meaning given here.¹
The ways CSI Forensics is unlike Real Life Forensics
CSI's are primarily 'evidence collectors, gathering objects like hair, fibers and insects. They neither question subjects nor piece the case together, Telgenhoff said. He said their main function is to follow the orders of the medical examiner.'¹ A single person typically does not perform so many different aspects of the investigative and analytical process.³
The ways CSI Forensics detracts from Real Life Forensics
Gloves, comdoms and bleach and other cleaning agents are finding their way into the arsenal of criminals as they become more aware of technological advances that law enforcement use to catch them.
Prosecutors have complained for years about “the CSI effect” on juries — an expectation in every trial for the type of high-tech forensic evidence the show’s investigators uncover. It also appears the popular show and its two spinoffs could be affecting how some crimes are committed.¹
The actors/actresses on CSI NEVER go to the bathroom! We all know THAT'S not true!
The actors/actresses on CSI are all good-looking! Real Life admits that all people are not models, but it's their ability that matters
CSI uses the most advanced diagnostic equipment for their job. In Real Life, budgetary considerations mean that the people have to rely a lot more on brains, intuition and dogged determination.
The ways CSI Forensics improves Real Life Forensics
Because of the CSI franchise, Real Life Forensics is becoming more readily acceptable to the public!
Further Reading:
* Baden, Michael, M.D, former New York City Medical Examiner, and Roach, Marion. "Dead Reckoning: The New Science of Catching Killers". Simon & Schuster, 2001. ISBN 0-684-86758-3.
* Kind, Stuart and Overman, Michael. "Science Against Crime". Doubleday and Company, Inc., New York, 1972. ISBN 0-385-09249-0.
* Nickell, Joe and Fischer, John F. "Crime Science: Methods of Forensic Detection". University Press of Kentucky, 1999. ISBN 0-8131-2091-8.
* Wolfson, Seth, forensic sculptor and make-up FX artist, "Forensic Sculpting: Step--Step in Photos." Realsculpt Press, 2005. http://www.forensicsculpting.com/
* Anil Aggrawal's Internet Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology. http://www.geradts.com/anil/ij/indexpapers.html
bravenet.com