Introduction
The Modern Era saw the rapid expansion of forensic science into a formal discipline, with the introduction of fingerprinting as a method of identification, the establishment of the first crime labs, and the development of forensic toxicology. This era also brought significant advancements in ballistics, blood typing, and the legal application of forensic evidence in courtrooms. The integration of scientific methods into crime-solving during this period revolutionized criminal investigations.
Discover the major innovations of the Modern Era and see how forensic science continued to evolve into the Contemporary Era with the introduction of DNA analysis and modern technologies.
Key Milestones in Forensic Science (1800 – 1950)
This timeline is divided into three key eras:
🔹 1800s to 1850 – Early Forensic Advancements: The birth of forensic toxicology, fingerprinting, and document examination.
🔹 1850s to 1890s – The Rise of Forensic Science: The emergence of forensic anthropology, microscopy, and crime scene photography.
🔹 1900s to 1950 – The Emergence of Modern Forensics: The establishment of crime labs, blood typing, and forensic psychology.
Explore how these groundbreaking developments laid the foundation for today’s forensic techniques.