Although it is uncertain exactly where the concept of forensic science originated, most historical experts agree it was very likely in China around the 6th century or earlier. This belief is based on the earliest known mention of the concept, found in a book titled “Ming Yuen Shih Lu,” printed in that period.

How did criminalistics start?

Hans Gross applied scientific methods to crime scenes and was responsible for the birth of criminalistics. Edmond Locard expanded on Gross' work with Locard's Exchange Principle which stated "whenever two objects come into contact with one another, materials are exchanged between them".

Who coined the term criminalistics?

The term comes from the German word Kriminalistik, invented by Austrian criminalist Hans Gross (1847–1915). While the field of criminalistics started long before Gross' time, the first serious and well-documented applications of scientific principles to a legal purpose, started in the middle of the nineteenth century.