What does "forensic evidence" refer to?

"Forensic evidence" specifically refers to scientific evidence that is collected and analyzed in relation to legal proceedings. This type of evidence often includes physical items such as fingerprints, blood samples, drug analyses, and digital data, all of which are examined using scientific methods to support investigations and legal cases. The key aspect of forensic evidence is its basis in scientific principles, which aims to provide a reliable and objective means of establishing facts in a case.

Public testimonies in court are important but do not fall under the category of forensic evidence, as they are reliant on individual accounts rather than scientific analysis. While all types of evidence presented in criminal cases may include forensic evidence, the term itself specifically highlights evidence that is scientifically gathered and processed, distinguishing it from other forms of evidence. Additionally, evidence gathered during routine checks may not necessarily be collected with the intention of being used in a legal context or evaluated scientifically, which further distinguishes it from true forensic evidence. Thus, the focus on scientific collection and analysis makes the definition of forensic evidence clear and precise.