Use of microbial forensics data in scientific, legal, and policy contexts

Abstract Microbial forensics is an important part of the policymaking and legal adjudication process regarding an alleged or suspected biological incident. In practical terms, microbial forensic analysis and findings can be used in conjunction with other forms of direct and/or circumstantial evidence to draw conclusions about the cause of a given biological incident. Microbial forensics is useful in the context of an investigation, prosecution, or attribution and can be used to help identify malicious actors and exonerate a wrongfully accused individual, group, or nation. However, to be useful in a policymaking or legal adjudication process, microbial forensic evidence will be evaluated through several nonscientific constructs and lenses to include religion, medicine, law, and culture.