What is the primary role of forensic evidence in criminal investigations?

The primary role of forensic evidence in criminal investigations is to reconstruct the crime. This reconstruction involves analyzing physical evidence, such as fingerprints, blood spatter, or ballistic markings, to understand the events that transpired during the crime. Forensic evidence can illustrate the sequence of events, the actions of the perpetrator, and the circumstances surrounding the crime, which is crucial for establishing a clear narrative and, ultimately, solving the case.

While identifying suspects is a significant aspect of a criminal investigation, it often relies on the reconstruction of the crime using forensic evidence. Similarly, eyewitness accounts and witness interrogations are forms of testimony that can support a case but do not constitute the primary role of forensic evidence itself. The strength of forensic science lies in its ability to provide objective, tangible findings that can confirm or refute hypotheses about what happened during a crime, making it an indispensable tool in the investigative process.