forensic

adjective

1. 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.

   Fire investigators […] and forensic chemists are combing through fire sites [the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing], interviewing witnesses, and following leads.

2. 2

   datedRelating 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. 3

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

   A forensic account of history

   With forensic precision

   It [the judiciary] had been the forum before which the highest forensic discussions had been held, […]

4. 4

   Relating to forms of disability associated with criminal risk.

   a forensic learning disability

   patients with forensic needs

5. 5

   archaicRelating to, or used in, debate or argument.