#1 The Science of Crime: Forensics

Hi! My name is Aiza Jamil and alongside CAI (Crime AI) we'll be walking through the legal and illegal streets of STEM. This is a series of analyses of crime and the many different branches of forensics and this is episode #1.

Unlocking the mysteries of crime scenes, one clue at a time - welcome to the art of forensics!

What is forensics?

(✿◡‿◡) CAI: The word 'forensics' originates from the Latin word 'forensis, ' meaning to be public or open in court. A forensic scientist's job is to investigate crime through the help of different scientific methods and technology. Forensics is also the application of law to science.

Forensics connects to the word 'forensis' as, if the job is done well, the crime or criminal is brought to the public or court. Forensics has many different sections within it:

• Forensics Psychology

• Forensics Pathology

• Forensics Geology

• Forensics Entomology

• Forensics Engineering

• Forensics Botany

• Forensics Toxicology

And many more. So what are all of these branches?

Forensics Psychology

Forensic Psychology is a fascinating field where psychology is applied to legal and criminal matters. One of the main tasks of forensic psychologists is to study the behaviour and personality traits of criminals to assist in criminal profiling. They also perform a wide range of other important tasks such as providing counselling to crime victims, evaluating child custody cases, and diagnosing post-traumatic stress disorder. It's really interesting to see how psychology can be used to help in the legal system, don't you think?

 (✿◡‿◡) CAI: It truly is!

It just came to my mind, CAI, what is the difference between criminal psychology and forensics psychology?

 (✿◡‿◡) CAI: The difference is very slight, criminal psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with studying the behaviour of criminals. On the other hand, forensic psychology encompasses a wider range of areas such as criminal and civil law, prison work, counselling for at-risk youth, and academic research.

Thank you for answering my question, CAI!

Forensics Pathology

Did you know that there is a fascinating branch of pathology called Forensic Pathology? It involves examining a deceased person to determine the cause of death and collecting and analyzing medical samples to deduce facts that can be presented in a court of law. For example, a forensic pathologist can examine a wound to identify the weapon used to cause it. This field helps draw important conclusions on whether a person's death was natural, criminal, or accidental. It's an incredibly interesting and important area of study!

These are just a few of the many wonderful topics in forensics. In the next few episodes, we'll be diving deeper into each one of these interesting fields.

I'm a forensics sleuth, what's your mystery to solve?

Until next time! This Aiza Jamil signing out!