réttarfarslíffræði

Rettarfarslifraedi is the Icelandic term for forensic biology. It is a specialized field that applies biological principles and techniques to legal investigations. This interdisciplinary science bridges biology and law, aiming to provide objective scientific evidence that can assist in criminal and civil proceedings.

The core of forensic biology involves the analysis of biological evidence collected from crime scenes. This evidence can include DNA from blood, semen, saliva, hair, and skin cells, as well as other biological materials like fingerprints, bone fragments, and plant matter. Scientists use various molecular and microscopic techniques to identify, compare, and interpret these samples. DNA profiling, for instance, allows for the unique identification of individuals, which can be crucial for linking suspects to victims or crime scenes, or for exonerating the innocent.

Beyond DNA analysis, forensic biologists may also study entomology (insects found on remains to estimate time of death), botany (plant material to determine location or movement), and serology (the study of bodily fluids). The findings from these analyses are then presented in court, often as expert testimony, to help judges and juries understand the significance of the biological evidence. The goal is to reconstruct events, establish facts, and contribute to the pursuit of justice by providing reliable and scientifically sound information.