Criminalistics: meaning, definitions and examples
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criminalistics
[ ˌkrɪmɪnəˈlɪstɪks ]
forensic science
Criminalistics is a sub-discipline of forensic science that deals with the collection, preservation, and analysis of physical evidence from a crime scene. It involves various scientific techniques and methodologies to aid in the investigation of crimes. Criminalistics aims to provide objective and reliable evidence that can be presented in a court of law.
Synonyms
crime science, evidence analysis, forensic science.
Examples of usage
- The criminalistics team gathered fingerprints from the crime scene.
- She studied criminalistics to understand how evidence is evaluated in court.
- Advancements in criminalistics have greatly improved the accuracy of solving crimes.
Etymology
The term 'criminalistics' originated from the German word 'Kriminalistik', which emerged in the early 20th century. It is a combination of 'kriminal' (criminal) and 'istik', a suffix used in scientific disciplines. The field evolved as law enforcement agencies recognized the importance of systematic approaches to collecting and analyzing evidence. Criminalistics has grown significantly with advancements in technology, incorporating various branches such as chemistry, biology, and physics to improve the understanding of crime scene investigation. This evolution reflects a broader trend toward the application of scientific methods in the pursuit of justice.