The first section of the paper addresses "who" becomes a forensic scientist. It concludes that most scientists who work in the field of forensics are probably motivated by a desire to assist in solving crimes, rather than the pursuit of science in the forensics domain. The second section focuses on "what" is involved in forensics. It states that "forensics" implies "the application of a broad spectrum of sciences to answer questions of interest to a legal system" (Wikipedia). This involves numerous scientific disciplines, such as psychiatry, toxicology, and entomology. The third section addresses "where" forensic science is conducted. Academic researchers conduct their work at a university, academy, or research institute. This tends to be true for conducting "basic" or nonprofit research. Repetitive, specialized tasks performed for profit are usually conducted in laboratories, where they are expected to perform work in a cost-effective manner but in compliance with quality-control and certification standards. The fourth section discusses "with what" forensic scientists conduct their work. This section describes the various equipment and methodologies forensic scientists use in their work. The fifth section considers "why" forensic scientists perform their work. Their work provides factual evidence that aims to be more accurate and objective than testimony by individuals, including eyewitnesses and victims. This is followed by a discussion of "how" forensic science is performed, which is in compliance with procedures that provide objective, reliable, and valid evidence pertinent to a given case. In discussing "when" forensic science emerged and began its evolution, the final section reviews the history of forensic science, whose origin is traced to the systematic search for forensic evidence in the Age of Enlightenment, which promoted "pure science," rationality, and legality in justice and legal matters. 4 figures and 17 references