Social Impacts

Forensic science has opened the books on many old criminal cases that might have otherwise remained closed. Forensic science has provided a means by which current cases can be examined, looking at all possible details with the advent of technology. The criminal justice system has been offered a new and reliable tool for the prosecution and defense of criminals. Forensic science has changed many court rooms questions from a "who dunnit" to a how carefully have they done it.

Turin Shroud (Authentic?) Lee Harvey Oswald (Did he take the fall?)

In some instances forensics has sent us searching in circles.

Courts of law rely heavily on the evidence provided through forensic analysis. It has the potential to sway a jury from one direction to another sometimes for good and bad. The ideas reflected in TV programs that make use of forensic science, such as CSI and CSI: Miami, show a definitive answer being drawn in support of the forensic evidence. The overwhelming proof provided through this field has made possible many associations that would otherwise never be made. Up until the 1980's a body was almost solely required for a guilty conviction whereas today this piece of evidence is often times not required as other conclusions are drawn from supporting evidence.

The social impact of forensic science is evident in Hollywood. The dependence of law enforcement on forensic analysis techniques has become so popular that prime time television shows have adopted it as a topic. The most popular of which is CSI and CSI: Miami. The television show explores many facets of forensic science. It brings the ideas of technology (albeit in Layman's terms) to a wide audience.

The public may not like the advances of forensic science because with these advances come new analytical instruments and with many of these instruments come heavy price tags. This may not be so evident in a large city but within a small to moderately sized town these costs may seem significant.

(Ebay SEM - $4,000 initial bid) This is a pretty old unit (ca 1980) and some parts do not work.

(Ebay HPLC - $4,100 initial bid) Newer unit but still used.

(Ebay Metallurgical Microscope - $12,500 new)

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