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Forensically Meaning: Definition and Examples

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forensically

[fəˈrɛn.zɪ.kli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

legal investigation

Forensically refers to methods and techniques related to the collection and analysis of evidence in criminal investigations and legal proceedings. This term usually implies a scientific approach to solving crimes, often incorporating various disciplines like biology, chemistry, and anthropology. In forensic science, evidence is meticulously gathered and examined to establish the facts of a case. The insights gained from forensic analysis can be critical in court, helping to establish guilt or innocence.

Synonyms

analytically, investigatively, scientifically.

Examples of usage

  • The evidence was forensically analyzed to match the suspect's DNA.
  • Forensically trained professionals examined the crime scene for clues.
  • The report provided forensically relevant details about the weapon used.

Interesting Facts

Criminal Science

  • Forensic science is a broad field that includes DNA analysis, toxicology, and ballistics to solve crimes.
  • Forensic investigators often work with law enforcement to piece together evidence from crime scenes.

Pop Culture

  • TV shows like 'CSI' and 'Bones' have popularized forensic science, often depicting dramatic crime scene investigations.
  • The character of Sherlock Holmes, created by Arthur Conan Doyle, is one of the earliest portrayals of a forensic detective.

Psychology

  • Forensic psychology blends psychology and the legal system, studying the behavior and motives of criminals.
  • Criminal profiling is a technique used by forensic psychologists to understand the characteristics of offenders.

Technology

  • Advancements in technology have greatly enhanced forensic methods, such as the use of 3D imaging in crime scene reconstruction.
  • Digital forensics has emerged as a field to investigate crimes involving computers and electronic data.

Origin of 'forensically'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'forensis,' meaning 'of the forum,' where ancient Roman legal cases were presented and debated.
  • It originally referred to the legal aspects of evidence, but now includes a variety of scientific methods.

The term 'forensically' is derived from the Latin word 'forensis', which means 'of the forum' or 'public'. In ancient Roman times, forums were public spaces where legal matters were discussed and decided. The application of scientific principles to the legal and judicial fields emerged much later, particularly in the 19th century as forensic science began to develop. It was during this time that the methodologies for examining physical evidence gained prominence, leading to more systematic and scientific approaches in criminal investigations. By the 20th century, the term 'forensic' outgrew its original implications and came to broadly encompass all scientific techniques applied in the context of legal issues. As such, 'forensically' evolved to signify any activities related to the scientific analysis of evidence in legal settings.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,816, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.