Forensic science, sometimes referred to as criminalistics, applies the knowledge of science to the definition and enforcement of laws. Criminalistics is a branch of forensic science that is involved in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of physical evidence produced by criminal activity.

This field of study involves several scientific disciplines: biology, chemistry, and physics. Forensic science is not a branch of law enforcement, and forensic scientists are not law enforcement officers. Despite how they are portrayed on television, forensic scientists do not interrogate and arrest suspects and do not usually investigate crime scenes. The main duties of a forensic scientist are to analyze physical evidence, interpret the results and testify in a court of law. Forensic scientists are expert witnesses who express opinions as to the significance of laboratory findings.