Forensic science is the use of science in a legal setting. Forensic scientists can not only aid in investigations into a crime, but also help determine who the victim and suspect are, what crime was actually committed, and if the suspect is able to stand trial. There are several branches of forensics, including digital, anthropology, archaeology, engineering, entomology, odontology, pathology, psychology, podiatry and toxicology. While some branches are more well-known and understood by the general public than others, they all play a unique and vital role in the building and solving of civil and criminal cases.

Digital Forensics

This branch of forensic science investigates material found on digital devices, especially computer crimes. While its primary focus is on computers, it can and does include any device that stores digital data, including mobile devices, databases and networks. The type of investigations done by digital forensics varies, though they typically include evidence needed in criminal courts that is obtained from a computer, evidence derived from the internet, or investigations into network intrusions. This science can be used to identify a crime, identify culprits, confirm statements and even prove the authenticity of documents. Digital forensics is one of the largest and most complex parts of forensic science.

• Digital Forensics This article briefly explains what digital forensics is.
• Cell Phone Forensics This document describes the guidelines for forensics involving mobile phones.
• Training This article details the training needed for expert digital forensic scientists.

Forensic Anthropology

Forensic anthropology is the science used to investigate the remains of a victim that has decomposed to the point of being only a skeleton. It is also used to investigate remains that are so mutilated as to be unrecognizable. This branch of forensics can identify these types of remains and, in many cases, determine cause of death, though this determination is often not admissible as official in a court of law. Forensic anthropologists often work in conjunction with pathologists and odontologists to determine the entire scope of the crime.

• Forensic Anthropology This website details what this branch of science is and how it is practiced.
• Uses This article describes the uses of this field of forensics and provides a brief history of its practice.

Forensic Archaeology

Forensic archaeologists combine forensic science and archaeological principles to aid investigators in uncovering and processing evidence. They can uncover evidence such as items buried with a victim, safely uncover buried victims so as not to tamper with the evidence and reconstruct events that took place prior to the occurrence of a crime. This science is also useful in processing the items that may have covered a victim, such as leaves or fallen walls, providing the investigation with information concerning the crime itself and its timing. They can also aid in uncovering mass graves, as well as providing information for civil court cases concerning boundary disputes. This branch of archaeology provides priceless information to the investigation concerning the way in which a victim died, how they were killed and under what circumstances they were buried.

• What is Forensic Archaeology This article describes what this branch is and how it functions.
• Applied Forensic Archaeology This article describes certain instances where this branch of forensics can be used for historical purposes. In this case, the study focuses on events occurring during the Vietnam War.
• FAQs This article answers frequently asked questions regarding the practice of forensic archaeology and describes how it works in the criminal justice system.

Forensic Engineering

This branch of forensics typically investigates personal injury or product liability cases. It focuses on materials, products and buildings, determining how the item in question was meant to function and how it actually does function. While it is mostly a part of civil law, it can be used in criminal law cases to help determine whether a crime was an accident, especially in concern to vehicular crimes. In many cases, forensic engineering will also investigate patent cases, determining whether two items are similar enough to warrant a civil suit.

• Forensic Engineering This site describes what this practice is and some of the methods used in its execution.
• What it Is This article describes, in detail, what forensic engineering is and how it is used in the criminal justice system.

Forensic Entomology

Forensic entomology studies insects and applies the knowledge to criminal cases and investigations. This almost always includes investigations into a death, though it can also include investigations into attempted murders via drugs or poisons. By studying the insects found in and around the body, a forensic entomologist can determine the location of the murder as well as determine when and how the wounds were inflicted. This study can be especially usefull in crimes spanning a great distance. By studying the types of insects present in and on the victim’s body, investigators can determine where the body has been.

• Forensic Entomology This paper provides information on what forensic entomology is and the methods used.
• At the Scene This article describes what type of information an entomologist can provide to a crime investigation.
• Purpose This article explains the purpose of entomology as it pertains to the legal system.

Forensic Odontology

Forensic odontology is essentially forensic dentistry. These scientists can handle, examine and evaluate dental evidence, determining the age and possibly the identity of the victim. They can also help to determine the perpetrator of the crime, by comparing possible bite marks on subjects to the victim. They can also use this same study on items at the crime scene, sometimes tracing back teeth marks to the perpetrator. This type of bite mark identification is most often used in child abuse, neglect or murder cases.

• Techniques This page provides brief descriptions of some of the techniques used in forensic dentistry.
• Forensic Dentistry This website offers a plethora of information regarding this branch of forensic science, including details on bite mark identification.

Forensic Pathology

This branch of forensic science is possibly the most well-known. It investigates the cause of death of a victim by examining a corps, including performing autopsies. While a coroner or medical examiner will often perform an autopsy if no foul play is suspected, a forensic pathologist will usually do the autopsy if a crime is suspected. A coroner or medical examiner will request a forensic pathologist complete the autopsy if they find signs of foul play in the process. While this branch is usually used in criminal cases, it can also be used in civil law cases, especially medical malpractice lawsuits.

• Forensic Pathology This site describes what this practice is and how it applies to criminal cases.
• What is an Autopsy This article describes what is done during an autopsy.

Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology uses the practice of psychology to aid in criminal cases. Perhaps the most important job of a forensic psychologist is determining if a suspect is competent to stand trial. They can also determine the credibility of a witness. They are also often asked to determine the intent, or state of mind, of a suspect during the alleged crime. While technically considered an expert witness, a forensic psychologist can also provide the court with sentencing recommendations, divulge what type of mental health treatment the suspect may require, and asses the risk of allowing the suspect early release or bail.

• Forensic Psychology This article describes, in detail, what this branch of forensic science is.
• Criminal Profiling This article describes the criminal profiling part of forensic psychology.
• Competence to Stand Trial This article explains how courts determine whether a suspect can legally stand trial.

Forensic Podiatry

Forensic podiatry investigates the feet of suspects of victims and footprints at the crime scene. This branch can determine the estimated weight and even sex of people who entered or left a crime scene. It can also determine what type of footwear a suspect was wearing, allowing investigators to narrow down the suspect pool. They can also often tell how far a victim travelled and over what terrain by studying their feet. In many cases, a forensic podiatrist can also determine which direction a suspect came from, and in which direction they went after the crime was committed.

• Forensic Podiatry This article briefly explains what podiatry is and how it is used in the criminal justice field.
• American Society of Forensic Podiatry This site provides resources concerning this practice, a history of the organization and an explanation of forensic podiatry.

Forensic Toxicology

This branch uses chemistry and pharmacology to investigate death, poisoning and drug use. They can determine not only what a person injected, but also estimate the effect that the toxins had on the person and how those effects may or may not have caused the end results of the crime. This type of forensic investigation is complex, as most substances change once they enter the body and are digested, and every body digests a substance slightly differently. This branch can often determine cause of death, or determine if a crime was even committed by establishing whether or not the ingested substances caused the death rather than an outside source. Forensic toxicology can also be used in civil cases, especially in lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies.

• Forensic Toxicology This site briefly describes what this practice is and provides additional resources.
• What is Forensic Toxicology This brochure offers detailed information on what this branch of forensic science is and how it functions.
• Department of Health This site offers a brief description of how a forensic toxicologists functions with the department of health.