Forensic SCIENCE is the application of science to questions which are of interest to the legal system. For example, forensic pathology is the study of the human body to determine cause and manner of death. Criminalistics is the application of various sciences to answer questions relating to examination and comparison of biological evidence, trace evidence, impression evidence, drugs and firearms. Forensic odontology is the study of the uniqueness of dentition, and forensic toxicology is the study of drugs and poisons, and their effects on the human body. Forensic PSYCHOLOGY can be broken down into two areas: -Applying psychological techniques to help in the identification and prosecution of criminals. -The rehabilitation of criminals once in the prison system. Forensic PSYCHIATRY (not asked about, but. . .) Is the legal application of psychiatry. Forensic psychiatrists work with courts in evaluating an individual's competency to stand trial, defenses based on mental diseases or defects (e.g., the "insanity" defense), and sentencing recommendations. They are also involved in the care of prisoners, both those in jails and those in prisons, and in the care of the mentally ill and dangerous (such as those who have been found not guilty by reason of insanity). Forensic psychiatrists are often called to be expert witnesses in both criminal and civil proceedings. Some consider Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology to be specialized fields of Forensic Science (much like toxicology, serology, et cetera) See : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forensic_science http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forensic_psychiatry http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forensic_psychology

Forensic science employs scientists with specialized training (i.e., blood spatter, DNA, ballistics, hair and fiber, etc.) to gather and analyze evidence from a crime scene. A forensic psychologist is a psychologist who offers his or her expertise while testifying in a court of law or interviewing subjects connected to a criminal case.

Forensic Science-Criminalistics is the application of various sciences to answer questions relating to examination and comparison of biological evidence, trace evidence, impression evidence (such as fingerprints, footwear impressions, and tire tracks), controlled substances, firearms, and other evidence in criminal investigations. Typically, evidence is processed in a crime lab. This is the division of forensic science most often reported in the media and depicted in popular fiction. Forensic Psychology is one of the other forensic science disciplines there are many more. Forensic psychology and forensic psychiatry deal with the legal aspects of human behavior. Forensic science is the actual area of study and all else is an extentsion of it.

The latter's *waaay* more fun (and possibly sanitary)?! ;-)