What is Forensics and why is it called Forensics?
Intercollegiate Forensics is competition between colleges and Universities across the nation in Speaking and Debating Events. The first question most people ask is why is it called Forensics? Well, according to Webster’s Dictionary, forensics means; “an argumentative exercise, or the art or study of argumentative discourse”. We know, you thought Forensics was that show on TV: CSI, (Crime Scene Investigation). Today, many people associate forensics with forensics pathology, crime labs and dead bodies. The research and studies from forensic medicine and forensic science today is still used as evidence, to be presented in a court of law. However, Forensics started with students of courtroom speaking and public deliberation around 450 B.C. in Greece. The study of forensics began with the Sophists, teachers who taught wealthy citizens to speak in courts of law or other public forums. Early in the 20th Century, the first multi-school invitational speech and debate tournament was created. Phi
