Forensic Toxicology

Abstract

Forensic toxicology is the application of toxicology to the field of law. The discipline continues to flourish as a result of human fascination with poisons, their effects on living organisms, detection in human remains, and role of toxicology in judicial proceedings. Postmortem toxicology, forensic drug testing, and human performance toxicology are the three major subdivisions of the discipline at the present time. Forensic toxicology investigations begin with the fundamental and critical requirement of acquisition of an appropriate specimen. Beyond this, a suitable scientific technique must be applied to analyze the specimen. The forensic toxicologists must be familiar with a wide range of chemical substances and utilize knowledge from other basic science disciplines and cooperation of other professionals to answer questions related to deaths, sicknesses, or any areas where a poison or drug is suspected. Forensic toxicologists are often called upon to testify in court in matters related to their own scientific investigations, or results obtained by other scientists. As an expert witness, the forensic toxicologist must be well prepared in his or her area of expertise and deliver a testimony that is based on the facts of the case with impartiality, honesty, and integrity. It is conceivable that forensic toxicology services will continue into the future as long as the legal system seeks to administer justice fairly by merging law with science and toxicology.