According to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), the forensic sciences form a vital part of the entire justice and regulatory system. The forensic scientist’s skill is to use all the information available to determine facts. Issues of law and/or fact that may require forensic science expertise range from questions of the validity of a signature on a will, to a claim of products liability, to questions of whether a corporation is complying with environmental laws. The work of the forensic scientist reduces the number of cases entering the overloaded court system by assisting the decision-makers before a case reaches the court. This decision is based on scientific investigation, not circumstantial evidence or the sometimes unreliable testimony of witnesses.
Forensic Scientists can work in a range of different settings, including:
- public and private laboratories,
- classrooms,
- morgues,
- international organizations,
- hospitals,
- universities,
- police departments,
- psychiatry practices, and more!
Each of these settings offer unique environments and opportunities for a forensic scientist. The AAFS website has exciting up to date information about various careers in forensic science. Explore the many disciplines of forensic science, career resources for students, places you can work, and much more!!
