Forensic Science

Find information about forensic science:
Associations, education, career, books, articles and other publications


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Forensic science (often shortened to forensics) is the application of a broad spectrum of sciences to answer questions of interest to the legal system. This may be in relation to a crime or to a civil action. The use of the term "forensics" in place of "forensic science" could be considered incorrect; the term "forensic" is effectively a synonym for "legal" or "related to courts" (from Latin, it means "before the forum"). However, it is now so closely associated with the scientific field that many dictionaries include the meaning given here. Source Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Forensic psychiatry is a medical subspecialty that includes research and clinical practice in the many areas in which psychiatry is applied to legal issues. While some forensic psychiatrists may specialize exclusively in legal issues, almost all psychiatrists may, at some point, have to work within one of the many areas in which the mental health and legal system overlap. AAPL welcomes both the forensic specialist and the general psychiatrist who seeks information and professional support in those domains in which psychiatry an the law share a common boundary. Source: American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law



Forensics Associations and Societies


  • American College of Forensic Examiners (ACFEI)
    The American College of Forensic Examiners Institute of Forensic Science (ACFEI) is an independent, scientific, and professional society.
    Multi-disciplinary in its scope, the society actively promotes the dissemination of forensic information. The association's purpose is the continued advancement of forensic examination and consultation across the many professional fields of our membership. ACFEI has elevated standards through education, basic and advanced training, and Diplomate Status.
    ACFEI serves as the national center for this purpose and circulates information and knowledge through the official journal - The Forensic Examiner®, lectures, seminars, conferences, workshops, continuing education courses, and home study courses.
  • National Forensic Association
    The National Forensic Association is a 30-year old association devoted to both education and competitive excellence in intercollegiate speech and debate.
  • Association of Certified Fraud Examiners - ACFE
    The ACFE is the world's premier provider of anti-fraud training and education. Together with over 37,000 members, the ACFE is reducing business fraud world-wide and inspiring public confidence in the integrity and objectivity within the profession.
  • American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors
    The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) is a nonprofit professional society of crime laboratory directors and forensic science managers dedicated to providing excellence in forensic science through leadership and innovation. The purpose of the organization is to foster professional interests, assist the development of laboratory management principles and techniques; acquire, preserve and disseminate forensic based information; maintain and improve communications among crime laboratory directors; and to promote, encourage and maintain the highest standards of practice in the field.
  • American Academy of Forensic Sciences
    As a professional society dedicated to the application of science to the law, the AAFS is committed to the promotion of education and the elevation of accuracy, precision, and specificity in the forensic sciences. It does so via the Journal of Forensic Sciences (its internationally recognized scientific journal), newsletters, its annual scientific meeting, the conduct of seminars and meetings, and the initiation of actions and reactions to various issues of concern. For its members and affiliates, AAFS provides placement services as well as scientific reference studies. As the world’s most prestigious forensic science organization, the AAFS represents its membership to the public and serves as the focal point for public information concerning the forensic science profession. Founded in 1948, the AAFS is headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO.
  • American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
    The American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (AAPL) is an organization of psychiatrists dedicated to excellence in practice, teaching, and research in forensic psychiatry. Founded in 1969, AAPL currently has more than 1,500 members in North America and around the world.

Forensic Journals and Articles


  • Google Scholar - Forensic Recent Articles
    Provides a simple way to broadly search for scholarly literature. From one place, you can search across many disciplines and sources: peer-reviewed papers, theses, books, abstracts and articles, from academic publishers, professional societies, preprint repositories, universities and other scholarly organizations. Google Scholar helps you identify the most relevant research across the world of scholarly research.
  • Forensic Science - Erroneous Handwriting Opinions?
    Sometimes corners are cut when utilizing forensic science to "solve" an issue at hand. This can lead to life affecting mistakes as well as expensive blunders. It is important to utilize all the tools available in order to reach a valid forensic opinion.
    Provided by Stewart Forensic Consultants, LLC
  • Forensic Science - The Good and the Bad
    Like any field, forensic science has both good and bad practitioners. If analysis results are based on science, and science is exact, then how can there be opposing experts in litigations?
    Provided by Stewart Forensic Consultants, LLC
  • Journal of Forensic Sciences
    Official publication of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).

  • The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
    Features original articles on new examination and documentation procedures, as well as provocative discussions of the forensic pathologist's expanding role–in human rights protection, suicide and drug abuse prevention, occupational and environmental health, and other key areas. Unique special features include case reports, technical notes on new examination devices, and reports of medicolegal practices worldwide.
  • National Forensic Journal
    Features original articles from the National Forensic Association.

Forensic Books



More Information about Forensic Science


  • DNA Forensics
    Information about forensic identification --how it works, understanding accuracies, interesting uses, and forensic databases such as CODIS.
  • DefendingScience.org
    The Project on Scientific Knowledge and Public Policy examines the nature of science and how it is used and misused in government decision-making and legal proceedings. Through empirical research, conversations among scholars, and publications, SKAPP aims to enhance understanding of how knowledge is generated and interpreted. SKAPP promotes transparent decision-making, based on the best available science, to protect public health.
  • Computer Forensics World
    Computer Forensics World is a growing community of professionals involved in the digital forensics industry. It is an open resource, free for all to access and to use. It strongly encourages the sharing of information and peer to peer assistance.
  • Career in Forensic Science
    Advice about a Career in Forensic Science: medical examiner, crime laboratory analyst, crime scene examiner, forensic engineer, academic assistance - psychology (including psychological profilers) / social science / statistics technical assistance - computer analyst, polygraph, composite drawing.
  • Education in Forensic Science
    More and more people are becoming interested in the field of forensic science. Some are interested in entering the field as a career, others need the information for adjunct professions such as the law or law enforcement, and the rest are simply attempting to make some sense out of the increasingly technical news reports that emanate from the media. Our goal is to provide both the professional and lay community with educational and expert resources in the field of forensic science.
  • FSS - The Forensic Science Service (England)
    The FSS® is the market leader in the supply of forensic science services to police forces in England and Wales, as well as being a source of training, consultancy and scientific support. The FSS has an unrivalled reputation for the integrity, impartiality and accuracy of its findings.
  • BBC.co.uk - The Forensic Science Service
    You might be surprised to realise that it wasn't until the early part of the nineteenth century that hair, blood, fingerprints were used as evidence to pinpoint the whereabouts or guilt of a criminal. The use of scientific practices within the criminal and legal process is called forensic science, and its success in aiding the legal system in the UK led eventually to the establishment of The Forensic Science Service® (FSS).