Forensic Tests

Submitted on March 27, 2012

Forensic science is a relatively new field which combines aspects of medicine, chemistry, biology and law enforcement. In general, forensic tests are used by law enforcement agencies who wish to establish some solid facts relating to cases that they may be investigating. These cases could cover a range of different types of criminal activity like drug use, poisoning, murder, sexual assault and general assault. Forensic tests are used to establish a link between someone who is suspected of a crime and the crime scene evidence that has been collected.

Types and List of Forensic Tests

The use of different types of forensic tests has been a boon to law enforcement agencies all across the world. Forensic evidence need not be available in large quantities at a crime scene. An individual may simply leave a small trace of evidence that can be used for forensic testing. This small evidence can be something like a droplet of saliva or blood or even something like a strand of hair or some skin that may scrape off during a violent crime. In such cases, forensic DNA testing is used to determine who the forensic material belongs to.

In modern times, the use of forensic science tests has become admissible in a legal environment. There are a list of forensic tests that could be conducted, including forensic psychological tests, forensic drug testing, forensic DNA testing and so on. An individual can therefore be placed at a crime scene if his or her DNA evidence has been found there. This is considered to be sufficient evidence that the individual concerned was actually involved in the crime that has been committed. The forensic test kits and forensic tests devices are very useful and help in achieving accurate results.

Forensic Test Devices

Forensic test devices are used to analyze DNA evidence that has been picked up from a crime scene. These forensic test devices may also run chemical analysis tests on a number of different items picked up at a crime scene. Forensic testing is now a part of any criminal investigation where evidence relating to the presence of an individual is applicable. Forensic testing is also applicable in cases where the victim may have consumed or might have been made to consume some substance that has contributed to the death.

Forensic testing is now so advanced that it can be used in cases where the evidence is several years old. Older cases may not be correctly solved because of the lack of technology available at the time. Forensic testing can be applied to these cases so that, if possible, new light is shed on the evidence from an old case. This is particularly applicable in cases where individuals may be wrongfully convicted of crimes.

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