What is the primary purpose of forensic science?

The primary purpose of forensic science is to collect, preserve, and analyze evidence for legal investigations. This field intersects science with the legal system, employing scientific methods and techniques to gather evidence from crime scenes, analyze it, and present findings in a manner that assists law enforcement and the judicial system. Forensic scientists work to ensure that evidence is handled properly to maintain its integrity, which is crucial for it to be admissible in court. By employing various specialized disciplines within forensic science, such as biology, chemistry, and toxicology, forensic experts provide critical insights that can lead to the identification of suspects, establishment of timelines, or even exoneration of the innocent. This focus on evidence and its role in legal proceedings underscores the essential nature of forensic science in the pursuit of justice.

The other options, while related to scientific inquiry, do not align with the core mission of forensic science within the context of legal investigations. Academic research and the development of new technologies, although important, serve different roles within science and public safety that do not specify the forensic context.