ABSTRACT To theorize and reflect on the possibilities of the forensic nurse’s performance, emphasizing the work as a civil and criminal expert, based on the Brazilian legislation, ethical principles, and comprehensive care for human beings. This is a theoretical study of exploratory nature with reflective and critical characteristics. It was based on the history of the national and international development of the forensic nursing specialty. It is organized into four categories, namely: areas of practice of forensic nurses in North American countries; state-of-the-art North American forensic nursing and the Brazilian reality, and nursing action in the face of violence. This way, international history, national panorama, and in-depth theoretical study were concatenated. Evidence of the contribution of forensic nursing to criminal and civil areas points to the emerging need for implementation and recognition of this practice within the scope of forensic investigation in Brazil with the inclusion of the topic in undergraduate courses.