Basic Considerations and History

AuthorD. P. Lyle
Pages1-12
Basic Considerations and History 1
CHAPTER 1
BASIC CONSIDERATIONS
AND HISTORY
What is forensic science? What does the term “forensic science” mean?
One definition is “relating to the use of science in the investigation
of criminal activity and the analysis and presentation of evidence before
the court.” Thus, forensic science is the interface of science and the law.
Medico-legal, a term that is often substituted for forensic, makes clear this
linkage between law and medica l science. Forensic science is the application
of various scientific methods to legal matters. It is the viewing of science,
not through the glasses of a scientist, but rather through the lens of the law.
The word forensic is derived from the Latin word forum. In ancient
Rome, the forum was where merchants, politicians, scholars, and citizens
mingled and discussed is sues of common interest. It also served as the place
where public trials took place.
Today, the term “forensic” is applied to anything that relates to law,
and forensic science is the application of scientific disciplines to the law. It
is important to note that it differs from the term “clinical,” which means
“related to a medical clinic.”
For example, clinical toxicology deals w ith medications and drugs in
the care of medical patients. The clinical toxicologist w ill analyze samples

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