forensic
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forensic
Relates to scientific and technical methods used to investigate and solve crimes or for legal purposes.
Die forensische Analyse der Faserspuren am Tatort überführte den Täter.
The forensic analysis of the fiber traces at the crime scene convicted the perpetrator.
The word derives from the Latin 'forum', the marketplace and place of legal proceedings in ancient Rome. This explains the word's close connection to courts and law.
Die forensische Psychologie beurteilt die Schuldfähigkeit von Angeklagten.
Forensic psychology assesses the criminal responsibility of defendants.
'Forensisch' (forensic) is a technical term from criminology, law, and medicine. In everyday language, it is used almost only in reports about crimes or in crime fiction.
Der forensische Bericht bestätigte die Todesursache.
The forensic report confirmed the cause of death.
The adjective is almost always combined with specific nouns from its specialist field. Common collocations are 'forensische Analyse' (forensic analysis), 'forensische Beweise' (forensic evidence), or 'forensische Abteilung' (forensic department).
Die Polizei wartet auf die Ergebnisse der forensischen Untersuchung.
The police are waiting for the results of the forensic examination.
legal
'juristisch' and 'forensisch' both have to do with law and courts, but they do not mean the same thing. 'juristisch' generally describes legal questions, laws, or the application of law. 'forensisch' is used when scientific or technical methods help investigate a crime or secure evidence for a court. The words can be confused because both appear in criminal cases or court proceedings. Put simply: 'juristisch' concerns the law, while 'forensisch' concerns the investigation of traces and evidence.
Die Polizei ließ die Spuren im Labor forensisch untersuchen.
The police had the traces examined forensically in the lab.
Der Vertrag ist juristisch kompliziert, deshalb fragt Anna einen Anwalt.
The contract is legally complicated, so Anna asks a lawyer.