Forensic Science

Forensic science applies scientific knowledge and techniques to criminal law. Part scientist and part detective, the forensic scientist collects, examines and reports on evidence from criminal activity. The field is complex and broad; involving many other disciplines from the law enforcement, legal system and government authorities. While forensic science is often used in crimes, some aspects of the field such as ink analysis can be used to assign rightful authorship of a text or to pinpoint the date something was written. However, most forensic science including ink analysis is used as evidence in criminal cases. The forensic scientist can perform any or all of the following activities: "visits crime scene to find evidence; analyzes physical evidence such as fibers, glass, debris, firearms, bullets and marks made by tools or weapons; identifies drugs found on people or at crime scenes; analyzes biological evidence such as hair, blood and body fluids; analyzes body tissues for poisons; writes reports on the results; gives evidence in court; may investigate civil court cases such as fire or insurance claims; may test race horses and racing dogs [and athletes] for substances that many affect their performance" (Haratutanga 1).

The focus of this research is on the analysis of ink, often an important aspect of crime solving, particularly crimes involving documentation. There are a host of crimes that provide the need for ink analysis inc

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rpretation�nondestructive comparison with material known to be from a given time period is the only sure method to be utilized" (Martin 2). Despite this point of view, there are others in the field of forensics who claim that ink dating techniques are accurate within six months time, "In the field of Forensic Chemistry advances in technology have made it possible to date ink within six months or less" (Speckin 1). With this kind of disagreement among experts within the field, one can see how adept prosecutors can call into speculation any evidence provided from forensic "experts." Nonetheless, ink dating methods exist that have been proven as valid through research. One type of chemical test provides data on when a document was written. When billing documents, wills, medical records, corporate minute notes or diaries are involved in a case, this technique is useful. When it is determined that ink dating is necessary, there are three primary methods by which the dating occurs. The first is from an analysis of the chemical composition of the ink. It is often useful to know the type of ink, who made it and the first instance of when the ink was manufactured. This form of analysis is most commonly used for older, historica

Category: Science - F