What does the term "forensics" encompass in the criminal justice field?

The term "forensics" in the criminal justice field specifically refers to the application of scientific methods and techniques to analyze evidence in order to solve crimes. This encompasses a wide range of scientific disciplines, including but not limited to biology, chemistry, physics, and more specialized fields like forensic anthropology or digital forensics. Forensic professionals work with physical evidence collected from crime scenes, applying rigorous scientific processes to ensure accurate results that can be presented in a court of law.

The scope of forensics involves various processes, such as collecting and preserving evidence, analyzing it using sophisticated technologies, and ultimately providing insights that contribute to criminal investigations. This systematic approach is crucial for establishing facts about a crime and supporting the judicial process, making the understanding and application of forensics vital within the criminal justice system.