forensique

Forensique refers to the application of scientific methods and techniques to questions arising in law, with the aim of providing objective information to support legal decision-making. It encompasses the collection, preservation, analysis, and interpretation of evidence obtained from crime scenes, victims, suspects, and digital sources, and the presentation of findings in a legally intelligible form. The practice relies on standardized procedures, documentation, and transparent reasoning to aid judges and juries.

The field covers a wide range of disciplines. Traditional areas include forensic biology (such as DNA analysis and serology), chemistry (trace analysis and toxicology), and physics (ballistics and material analysis). Forensic pathology and forensic medicine deal with the determination of cause and manner of death. Forensic anthropology, odontology, and entomology contribute specialized insights, while forensic psychology examines behavioral aspects. Digital forensics investigates data from computers, mobile devices, networks, and embedded systems to reconstruct events and identify actions. Environmental, documents, and new imaging techniques also play important roles in various investigations.

In practice, forensic work is conducted in laboratories and at scene sites, guided by standards for evidence handling, chain of custody, validation of methods, and quality assurance. Results are typically communicated through expert testimony, with clear explanations of methods, limitations, and the degree of certainty.

Challenges include the potential for contamination, bias, and overinterpretation of results. Forensics is an evolving field, continually incorporating advances in instrumentation, computation, and data interpretation, while striving to maintain scientific rigor and judicial fairness.