forensic

adj

Etymology: From Latin forēnsis (“of the forum, public”) + -ic, from forum (“forum, marketplace”).

1. Relating to the use of science and technology in the investigation and establishment of facts or evidence in a court of law.

   “forensic analysis; forensic examination; forensic evidence; forensic investigation; forensic pathologist”

   “In this account of events, the cards were stacked against Clemons from the beginning. His appeal lawyers have argued that he was physically beaten into making a confession, the jury was wrongfully selected and misdirected, and his conviction largely achieved on individual testimony with no supporting forensic evidence presented.”

2. Relating to, or appropriate for, courts of law; suitable or adapted to legal argumentation.

   “Varus trusted implicitly […] to the interest which they affected to take in the forensic eloquence of their conquerors.”

   “Mr. Philips’ incredulous sniff was a triumph of forensic skill.”

3. Precise, thorough, or highly meticulous, by analogy with a scientific legal investigation.

   “A forensic account of history”

   “With forensic precision”

4. Relating to forms of disability associated with criminal risk.

   “a forensic learning disability”

   “patients with forensic needs”

5. Relating to, or used in, debate or argument.