Running head: REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Review of Literature on Forensic Science

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

2
Abstract:

Forensic science is like no other science. Many may think that the field of forensics is
just based on studying corpses and crime scenes. Forensic science is a science that is based on all
of the physical sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, etc). Fortunately, the eye candy of popfiction has influenced our society. Meaning, what we see and hear on TV shows and movies isnt
always the truth. Many people have seen the hit TV shows, NCIS, CSI, Criminal Minds, and
Bones. These TV shows have one thing in common; they share the same concept of forensic
science. These shows however have made this field particularly popular while grossly
misrepresenting what forensic personnel actually do. Viewers of these TV shows, believe that the
whole scene of gunfights, performing lab work, going to unknown places to find the tiniest
piece of evidence and arresting the guilty party. Forensic science is the one thing that the
criminal justice system cannot function without. Law without forensic science would lead to less
crime cases being solved, and more chaos in the world.

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Introduction:
Forensic science is the application of sciences such as physics, chemistry, biology,
computer science and engineering to matters of law. Forensic science plays a vital role in the
criminal justice system by providing scientifically based information through the analysis of
physical evidence. During an investigation, evidence is collected at a crime scene or from a
person, which is then analyzed in a lab and then presented in court. The concept of forensic
science is very vague in our society. With the eye-candy of TV and film (NCIS, CSI, etc.), the
true definition of forensic science can be anyones guess.
Though the action packed TV shows that are claimed to be about forensics may seem
intriguing, the true and sole meaning of forensic science is much deeper. Unfortunately, in our
world there is always crime, which leads to the conclusion that there will always be plenty of
demand in this field of study. The field of forensic science is greatly impacted by what pop
fiction portrays it to be. Which is also the reason why there is so much demand and popularity in
this field.
Research should analyze certain areas like these following four questions:
1. What influence does pop fiction have on the public in portraying the field of
forensic science?
2. What is the true definition of forensic science?
3. What role does forensic science play in the criminal justice system?
4. Why is forensic science so important in our society?

Research Question One

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What influence does pop fiction have on the public in portraying the field of forensic
science?
To most, forensic science is based on what is seen on TV shows and movies. In our
society the publics knowledge is greatly influenced by the eye-candy of pop fiction. Because of
this, the subject of forensic science has become a topic that is widely known and followed among
our society. Due to the portrayal of forensic science in the media, the true meaning of forensic
science has become very vague to the public. According to Schweitzer, and Saks (2007), The
hypothesis heard most often is that CSI has raised the publics expectations for the kind of
forensic science evidence that could and should be offered at trials to such heights that jurors are
disappointed by the real evidence with which they are presented The authors make a valid
point that the hit TV show: CSI is influencing the publics view and their expectations of forensic
science. This proves that the public can be very gullible to what is shown on television. Although
the content of TV and film may seem a little far-fetched, there is some accuracy within them.
One of the reasons why people decide to pursue a career in this field is because they have
enjoyed what they saw on TV or film. Schweitzer, and Saks (2007), tested the hypothesis that
proves that the eye-candy of pop fiction influences the publics choice in discipline, That public
expectations of science are born of fictional portrayals of science, rather than of scientific reality,
has long been thought to be true of forensic science, where public beliefs have been shaped by
fiction at least since Conan Doyle penned Sherlock HolmesThe CSI effect has become an
accepted reality by virtue of its repeated invocation by the media.
The CSI effect is what Schweitzer and Saks call the influence of the hit TV show CSI: on the
decisions of the public. In society, people arent particularly motivated to perform research on
what they want to study. Instead the so-called, research is done by simply watching what is

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appeasable to the eye. Besides the appealing sights of TV and film, the true meaning of forensic
science can be anyones guess.
Research Question Two
What is the true definition of forensic science?
Forensic science to most is believed to be solely about the investigation of corpses. But
the true definition of forensic science is much deeper. The concept of forensic science contains a
vast array of all of the physical sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, etc.) law and criminal
justice. As stated by Faigman D.L. (2008), areas of forensic identification such as latent
fingerprints, firearms, tool marks, bite-marks, and non-DNA hair comparison, among others.
They also encompass certain non-identification subject areas such as aspects of arson
investigation and pathology The combination of the many sciences and math to some extent,
forensic science is very unique to the point that a scientist in this field will not see the same case
twice. Also that scientist will have to have the knowledge of any science and math. With the
advancement of sciences and crime, forensic scientists are like no other. Faigman D.L. (2008)
addressed that; forensic scientists are very busy during their day jobs, Therefore, a lot of time
and effort goes into a career in this field. Meaning that to some extent, a lot of dedication and
hard work is an everyday necessity in this field. Which leads to the belief that forensic scientists
are extremely dedicated to their work, and will stop at nothing to find a solution! With this great
dedication, forensic scientists are essential to the criminal justice system. Without them, finding
justice would be near impossible.
Research Question Three
What role does forensic science play in the criminal justice system?
In a world filled with crime, forensic scientists play a very important role in the criminal
justice system. Without the use of forensic scientists, crimes would go unsolved leading to more

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crimes. Ribaux, Walsh and Margot (2006) state, By defining priorities and from an
intelligence point of view,the, of importance is the detection of a promising set of criminal
events which could then be scrutinized further. This could occur through the combined use of
different types of forensic case data Forensic science in the criminal justice system, aids in
the investigation process. Through the use of forensic science, investigations can be performed
accurately and much more in depth. This wouldnt be possible without the advancement of
technology and the knowledge of the physical sciences. Which also makes this field so versatile,
meaning that forensic scientists can solve cases through a very broad spectrum of knowledge. As
stated by Ribaux, Walsh and Margot (2006) Forensicsisnowbroadlyimplementedwithin
lawenforcementorganizationsandthroughtechnologiessuchasdatabases,geographical
informationsystems,dataminingtechniques,biometricsecuritydevices,andsoonWith
forensics implemented with technology, this field is now widely known but studied and
understood by few. In forensics a broad knowledge is needed to succeed. Which is the reason
why there may be so much demand in this field of study. But this question remains, what is so
important about forensic science?
Research Question Four
Why is forensic science so important in our society?
In a society filled with crime and doubt, there is a need for people to find answers to
questions that may be thought of in a bad situation involving some sort of crime. For example, a
murder crime occurs without notice. The victim of that crime cannot simply say what has
happened to his/her loved ones (that would be impossible). Those loved ones would do anything
to find an answer as to what the reason was behind the murder of their loved one. Also to know
who may have committed this crime and serve justice to that said suspect. However not all

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crimes involve murder or homicide. Rendle (2006) addresses the several different types of crime
that many people may not be aware of in the world, Acts of terrorism, an increase in criminal
use of firearms, drug trafficking, the use of so-called date-rape drugs, and driving whilst under
the influence of drugs, are just some of the subjects frequently in the news Though the
thought of these crimes may seem very frightening and overwhelming to some people, it is very
important that these subjects are known within communities and societies. The field of forensic
science helps with this issue. Along with the thought of these horrid crimes, pop fiction comes
into play with portraying these crimes as something that can seem very normal in society. As
stated by Rendle (2006), the general public has become more aware of the application of
science to crime solving, due mainly to the proliferation of television programs, both
documentary and fictional, and accounts of high-profile court cases in national newspapers, each
describing detailed aspects of forensic science Pop fiction serves as a, safety blanket if you
will, to calm viewers of something that may seem displeasing to the eye with the use of drama
and fiction. With the help of pop fiction, forensic science can be understood and known how
important it is in society. But not all that is depicted by pop fiction is completely relevant to the
true definition of forensic science. Therefore forensic science is proven to be important with the
use of the media and pop fiction.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the field of forensic science can be pretty frightening and overwhelming to

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many in hindsight. We can thank pop fiction for that! But the true definition of forensic science is
the use of all physical sciences including math, engineering, and ethics, to find an answer to a
question. Forensic science goes hand in hand with the criminal justice system to crack cases and
find the right answer to any questions in any crime. Without the help of forensic science in the
criminal justice system, many more crimes would go unsolved leading to more crime. Though
the thrilling sight of the hit TV shows that are claimed to be about forensic science, one must
remember that not all of the material that is portrayed on screen is necessarily true. But with the
use of pop fiction in this society, the gruesome sights that may arise in this field of study may not
seem too frightening. This also stresses the importance of this field in a world full of crime.

References:

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Faigman, D.L. (2008), Anecdotal Forensics, Phrenology, and Other Abject Lessons from the
History of Science. Article from Hastings Law Journal. 59 Hastings L.J. 979. Retrieved from:
http://repository.uchastings.edu/faculty_scholarship/867
Rendle, D. (2006) Advances in Chemistry Applied to Forensic Science. Article in Chemical
Society Reviews, Retrieved from: http://www.researchgate.net/publication/7483108 DOI:
10.1039/b415890n
Ribaux, O., Walsh S.J., & Margot, P., The Contribution of Forensic Science to Crime Analysis
and Investigation: Forensic intelligence. (2006) Forensic Science International 156. pp.171-181.
Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0379073805000484
Schweitzer, N. J. Ph.D., & Saks, Michael J. (2007). The CSI Effect: Popular Fiction About
Forensic Science Affects The Publics Expectations About Real Forensic Science. Jurimetrics,
Vol. 47, No. 3 pp.357-364. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/29762978