Forensic scientists play a crucial role in the criminal justice system by collecting and analyzing evidence to aid criminal investigations and prosecutions. They use various types of natural and physical sciences to analyze crime scene evidence, such as forensic molecular biology (DNA), forensic chemistry, trace evidence examination, latent fingerprint examination, firearms and toolmarks examination, handwriting analysis, fire and explosives examinations, forensic toxicology, and digital evidence. Some forensic disciplines practiced outside forensic laboratories include forensic pathology, forensic nursing, forensic psychiatry, forensic entomology, and forensic engineering.

Forensic scientists typically need at least a bachelors degree and on-the-job training is typically required, both for those who investigate crime scenes and for those who work in labs. They must be accurate, methodical, detailed, and unbiased in their work, as their findings are often used in court. Forensic scientists analyze physical evidence collected at crime scenes, provide expert forensic testimony before and during trials, collect evidence such as blood, hair samples, and other trace evidence, use chemical and biological techniques to analyze the evidence and document their findings, prepare reports on their findings, provide expert opinions for people within the judicial system, accurately document everything they do so that their testimony holds up in court, and maintain certification through continuing education.