Justice is dynamic because the forensic science and criminal legal systems are influenced by each other, thus, forensic science provides the instruments and the data for the investigators, prosecutors, and also defense. All the aspects of the legal system, such as the accuracy, equity and also efficiency, have been affected by the revolutionary changes emerging as a result of evidence processing and interpretation wholly linked to the forensic science. The forensic science had developed much throughout the prehistoric times to the early 19th century so as to allow the introduction of many techniques like as blood type and also fingerprint analysis [[i]]. It conducts a host of the essential functions that help in criminal justice; for example, it can act as an expert witness, examine the evidence, and not only deduce and design new detection and analysis techniques. While this can be very crucial, it should be taken into the account that there are challenges of privacy, admissibility of evidence, and the risk of data exploitation that mainly have ethical and legal implications. The incorporation of forensic science into the legal system has allowed law enforcement and the courts as well as a new insight into contemporary crime; however, it fosters a treading-on-a-razor’s-edge situation where scientific evidence can undermine the legal norms [[ii]].
The Instrumental nature of the forensic science in criminal investigations
In the modern criminal investigation process, forensic science is an essential component that helps with crime detection, guilt assessment, and innocence verification. It entails the methodical gathering and preservation of tangible evidence at the site of the crime, with standard procedures followed to ensure that nothing has been lost, contaminated, or deteriorated. Toxicology testing, DNA profiling, digital forensics, ballistic testing, and other techniques are among the analysis techniques used by forensic scientists to give impartial, unbiased data for criminal investigation and comprehension. Another use of forensic science is in crime scene reconstruction, which involves recreating crime scenes while confirming witness testimony and establishing reliability. Because forensic evidence is objective, it is essential to the integrity of legal proceedings, and the principles of forensic science ought to form the foundation of the chain of custody of evidence [[iii]].
Human mistake, the selective use of forensic techniques, and the over interpretation of evidence are some of the difficulties that forensic science encounters despite its crucial role. The forensic field has to set up criteria for certification and accreditation, keep up with technological advancements, and closely examine moral dilemmas in order to meet these problems. The fusion of science and law gives rise to a number of challenges, including those related to ethical considerations, the possibility of injustices, strict admittance standards, and the interpretation and presentation of concerns [[iv]]. This is supported by instances of scientific proof; however the legal system confronts challenges and worries about injustices due to things like contaminated evidence, incorrect data interpretation, and overconfidence in specific forensic procedures.
Advancements in Forensic Techniques and Legal Outcomes
Legal consequences of forensic technology have been revolutionized in comparison to the past when only the traditional tools were available. The use of DNA analysis has transformed entirely the forensic science by making the identification of a person more precise, and in addition to this, it has allowed for acquittal of the people who were unjustly sentenced [[v]]. A vital aspect of forensic science is digital forensics whose main purpose is to extract and analyse pieces of digital evidence that are used in cases of fraud and cyber crimes. Due to the improvement of the process of hazardous chemicals identification together with alcohol and drugs evaluation in forensic toxicology, considerable progress has been made. The advent of technologies like Integrated Ballistics Identification Systems has made matchmaking more sophisticated and now more efficient. The system is also useful in ballistic analysis which allows for a thorough study of ammunition as well as weapons. The examination of trace evidence i.e., hair, fibres, glass, and dirt has enhanced efficiency in the process of finding suspects as well as the necessity of even the smallest bits of evidence [[vi]].
Challenges and Limitations in Forensic Application
Testing the authenticity, the human factor, the bias, the resource and access limitations, contaminated evidence, technology and cyber problems, legal and ethical issues are only a few of the things that forensic science must address. Such as are making sure the scientific findings will be secured, reducing prejudice and mistakes done by humans, providing equality in access and resources, dealing with the contaminated evidence, and striking the balance between justice achievement and moral principles as well as individual rights Understanding such limitations will be of paramount priority for the effective and responsible deployment of forensic science in the legal system.
The Evolution of Forensic Science within the Legal System
Forensic science may be considered to have roots in ancient cultures; however it wasn’t until the 19th century that its importance started to come dawn on the judicial system. It was the late 19th century innovation of the anthropometry and fingerprinting that started the modern forensic science which is advantageous with reliable one-off-person identification capabilities. Crime laboratories where developed as a response to an advancement of the forensic pathology in the beginning of the XX century, and DNA typing was first used in the middle of the 1980s. It increased the effectiveness of investigations and later convictions because previously unknown individuals could be identified with a superb precision and also linked to the crime scenes.
The area of forensic science has undergone much more expansion with the increasing speed of the technology in the 20th and 21st centuries. This development has resulted in the emergence of the digital forensics in addition to there being many methodologies like computer forensics, cyber crime investigation, and digital communications analysis [[vii]]. Organisations that are dedicated to the promotion of best practices, moral principles and that also ensure the validity of the science in this field were set up like the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and also the International Association of Forensic Sciences. Into these rapid developments of forensic science, the application of forensic science in the judicial system has also brought many problems which include the scientific validity, the admissibility of evidence and also the possibility of injustice [[viii]].
Impact of Forensic Innovations on Jurisprudence
Advances in the forensic science have enabled the more accurate evidence, have also improved the identification of the perpetrators, also provided the better investigation methods, which have significantly changed the course of the justice all these years. These technology improvements (e.g. fingerprinting and also DNA analysis) make the evidence more reliable and the likelihood of miscarriages of the justice lower [[ix]]. In such cases, where surveys of DNA evidence from crime sites are compared with the database profiles, the forensic scientists also assist the law enforcement agencies to monitor, capture, and arrest the suspects much more easily [[x]]. Foundation of the law’s non-guilt in the factual outcomes is the dramatic increase in the forensic innovation.
Case Studies: Forensic Science Influencing High-Profile Legal Decisions
In India and across the world, forensic science is vital to the investigation and resolution of high-profile judicial cases. It employs techniques such as ballistic analysis, DNA analysis, and crime scene reconstruction to prove guilt, clear the innocent, and provide closure to the families involved.
Indian Case Studies:
Jessica Lal Murder Case (1999):
Model and barmaid Jessica Lal was shot and killed in New Delhi, India. The recoveries of the bullet and its connection to the murder weapon were made possible in large part by forensic science [[xi]]. The first trial concluded in an acquittal because of coercion of witnesses and a dearth of evidence. However, a retrial resulted in the conviction of Manu Sharma and other participants due to public outcry and media pressure.
The Aarushi-Hemraj Double Murder Case (2008):
In Noida, India, Aarushi Talwar and Hemraj Banjade, her family’s domestic helper, were discovered dead. DNA, bloodstain patterns, and fingerprint analysis are examples of forensic science that was used extensively in the inquiry. Aarushi’s parents, Rajesh and Nupur Talwar, were found guilty despite intense public discussion and media attention; however, the decision was eventually reversed for lack of evidence [[xii]].
The Nirbhaya Gang Rape Case (2012):
In a moving bus, Nirbhaya, a young lady from Delhi, India, was viciously gang-raped and killed. Identification of the culprits was made possible in large part by forensic science, which includes DNA analysis and crime scene reconstruction. One kid was transported to a juvenile jail facility, and the other four of the six accused received hanging sentences. The case raised awareness of sexual abuse against women in India and resulted in substantial legislative reforms [[xiii]].
The Sheena Bora Murder Case (2012)
A young lady named Sheena Bora lived in Mumbai, India. Her mother, Indrani Mukerjea, and her friends are accused of killing her. DNA analysis, forensic pathology, and forensic accounting were among the many forms of forensic evidence that were important in revealing the intricate scheme and proving the guilty of those who were charged, including well-known members of the entertainment and media sectors [[xiv]].
International Case Studies:
The Lindbergh Kidnapping Case (1932):
The kidnapping occurred from the New Jersey home of Charles Lindbergh Jr., the aviator’s son. The ladder, handwriting, and ransom notes were all subjected to forensic examination throughout the inquiry [[xv]]. An important turning point in the use of forensic science to criminal investigations was reached when Bruno Hauptmann was found guilty of the kidnapping and murder.
The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann (2007):
Three-year-old British Madeleine McCann vanished from a Portugal vacation resort. An essential part of the inquiry was performed by forensic science, which includes forensic psychology, forensic anthropology, and DNA analysis. Forensic evidence has assisted in eliminating suspects and identifying possible leads in the continuing investigation, even if the case is still unresolved [[xvi]].
The Casey Anthony Trial (2011):
In Orlando, Florida, Casey Anthony was charged with killing her daughter Caylee. Timeline and cause of death were determined in large part because to the work of forensic scientists, particularly those who specialise in DNA analysis, forensic entomology, and forensic anthropology [[xvii]]. The difficulties in using forensic evidence in high-profile trials were brought to light by Casey’s conviction for giving false information while being found not guilty.
The Oscar Pistorius Trial (2014):
Athlete Oscar Pistorius of South Africa was charged with killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in their Pretoria home. Ballistics, bloodstain pattern analysis, and forensic pathology are examples of forensic science that was essential in recreating the gunshot and identifying the cause of death. Pistorius was found guilty of murder after first being found guilty of culpable homicide [[xviii]].
Future Directions: The Growing Intersection of Science and Criminal Law
Because of developments in technology and scientific knowledge, the field at the junction of science and criminal law is dynamic and always changing. Advances in forensic technology, behavioural genetics and criminology, big data and predictive policing, cybercrime and digital crimes, developing technologies’ ethical and legal ramifications, and multidisciplinary cooperation are some of the key areas for progress [[xix]]. With cutting-edge DNA analysis methods, forensic imaging, and digital forensics taking on bigger roles in criminal investigations, forensic technology is a field that is continuously developing. Neuroscience is adding evidence based on neuroscience to criminal trials, especially when it comes to criminal liability [[xx]]. The study of behavioural genetics and criminology aims to investigate the genetic foundation of criminal behaviour and the moral implications of its application. To create evidence-based procedures and policies that support accountability, accuracy, and fairness in the criminal justice system, interdisciplinary cooperation between scientists, legal experts, politicians, and ethicists is crucial.
Conclusion Forensic science is deeply intertwined with criminal law in such a way that they form the cornerstone of truth and justice. Continuous expert based training of lawyers in forensic science and the commitment of forensic experts in ensuring accuracy and reliability are critical. The secret of the strength of forensic science being a basis of the judicial system in the light of growing crime and new technologies is to adapt to the specific situation. The development of the society and the search of the truth in the judicial system depend upon a co-operative work which involves everyone.
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Author: Shriya Mishra
Juris Centre 