Definition

Noun (used with a singular or plural verb) 1. The application of scientific methods and techniques to the investigation of crime. * This is the most common meaning, referring to the field or discipline itself. It encompasses the analysis of physical evidence (like DNA, fingerprints, fibers, ballistics) to establish facts in a legal context. 2. A class or course of study in forensic science. * Used informally to refer to the academic subject. 3. Argumentation or debate employing formal rules of reasoning and evidence. * A less common, broader meaning relating to the art of formal debate, often in an academic setting.

Usage Examples

• As a field of study/application:
  • Modern forensics relies heavily on DNA analysis to solve crimes.
  • She decided to pursue a career in forensics after watching a documentary.
  • The police called in the forensics team to examine the scene.
• As an academic subject:
  • My favorite class this semester is forensics.
  • The high school offers a forensics club for students interested in debate and crime scene science.
• As formal argumentation (less common):
  • His skills in forensics made him a formidable debater.

Advanced Usage

• "Digital forensics": A sub-discipline involving the recovery and investigation of material found in digital devices, often in relation to cybercrime.
  • Digital forensics experts were able to retrieve the deleted emails.
• "Forensic evidence": Physical evidence analyzed using scientific methods for use in court.
  • The case was decided based on compelling forensic evidence.

Variants and Related Words

• Forensic (adjective): Pertaining to, connected with, or used in courts of law or public debate.
  • The forensic pathologist conducted the autopsy.
  • He presented a forensic analysis of the financial documents.
• Forensic scientist (noun): A professional who applies scientific principles to legal investigations.

Synonyms

• Crime scene investigation (CSI)
• Criminalistics
• Forensic science
• (For the debate meaning): Argumentation, debate, disputation

Notes on Usage

The word "forensics" is often treated as a singular noun when referring to the field ("Forensics is a fascinating subject") but can take a plural verb when referring to the techniques or activities collectively ("The forensics were conclusive"). In everyday use, it is most strongly associated with crime investigation.

Noun

1. scientific tests or techniques used in the investigation of crimes