Sociology and Criminology-Open Access
Open Access

Unveiling the Crucial Impact: Forensic Science Significance in Modern Law Enforcement

Shaila Kanwar^{* *}Correspondence: Shaila Kanwar, Department of Law, Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur, India, Email:

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Introduction

Within the criminal justice system, diverse institutions and procedures collaborate to uphold societal peace by administering justice impartially. This system addresses individuals with malicious intent, posing a threat to society. Fundamentally, it comprises four essential components: Courts, prisons, police and punishment. By guaranteeing victims' justice through the prosecution of perpetrators, these components collectively contribute to the preservation of social order. A peaceful society is facilitated by an efficient criminal justice system [1].

Judges and the noble courts play a crucial part in this system; they are responsible for providing fair justice to everyone. This process is intricate, given the unique facts of each case and the necessity to substantiate charges. Various institutions and agencies assist courts in their decision-making processes, relying on evidence to support investigations. The administration of justice depends critically on the quality of the evidence base.

Literature Review

In many situations throughout the last few decades, the extensive integration of technology has proven to be a deciding factor. Forensic technology is used by the courts and law enforcement to recreate crime scenes and create links between offenders and occurrences. The utilization of technological evidence has proven highly efficient and accurate in case resolution [2].

What is forensic science?

The term forensic science is defined as “The application of science to those civil and criminal laws that are enforced by the police agencies in a criminal justice system”.

The application of scientific concepts and procedures from a wide range of scientific fields to legal situations is known as forensic science. It serves as the intersection of criminal justice and scientific research, holding significant implications for both criminal and civil cases. Forensic evidence, encompassing physical evidence discovered at crime scenes, plays a pivotal role in evaluating scientific and physical elements crucial for fair judgments. The emphasis lies in the assessment of evidence collected at the crime scene, considered secondary evidence, while primary information is derived from documents. Courts utilize both primary and secondary evidence to comprehend facts and reach informed judgments in legal proceedings.

Classification of forensic science

Based on the variety of evidence collected at the site of the crime, such as hair, blood, semen, fibres, guns, narcotics and more, forensic evidence is divided into several kinds. Nowadays, the most often employed forensic methods are:

Fingerprinting: Fingerprinting entails comparing distinct patterns and prints discovered at the crime scene with those stored in different law enforcement databases. Despite being one of the oldest forensic methods, fingerprinting endures due to its ongoing effectiveness [3].

DNA analysis: A technology that is more recent is fingerprinting that helps identify people who may have visited a crime scene. This procedure involves matching DNA profiles kept in law enforcement databases with samples of DNA found at the crime location, typically in the form of blood, saliva, hair, semen or other materials. DNA testing is now a common practice for those who have been found guilty or accused of committing crimes.

Ballistics: Ballistics analysis focuses on studying firearms and ammunition associated with criminal activities. While it does not identify individuals present at a crime scene, it can establish a connection between the specific ammunition used in a crime and a particular firearm. If this firearm can subsequently be linked through purchase records, fingerprints or DNA to an individual, it serves as a means to confirm that individual's presence at the crime scene.

In the most recent developments, cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence have started to revolutionize the execution of forensic science. AI possesses the ability to rapidly process extensive data and excels in pattern recognition. It has already enhanced the efficiency and accuracy of forensic analysis, with a high likelihood of further widespread utilization. Despite potential risks linked to this technology, the priority lies in deploying AI and concurrently managing and minimizing those risks, given the substantial advantages it offers [4].

Role of forensic science in criminal justice system

One crucial component of the criminal justice system is forensic science. It essentially focuses on examining the physical and scientific evidence gathered from the crime site. The unique characteristics of the offender who committed the crime are described by forensic science. The fundamental element of the offense that was carried out is well demonstrated by the evidence. Even the timing of the incident is included in the circumstantial evidence. The precise location of the crime is revealed by the forensic evidence. Even the offender's approach is followed by the forensic examination. At last, the reason for the crime is finally revealed. Experts in forensics replicate the peculiarities of both the victim and the perpetrator. In a criminal case, a forensic scientist's functions and responsibilities are crucial since they include meticulously examining the evidence to ensure that it is not falsified.

A wide range of forensic science and forensic resources are used in criminal investigation. An individual who is an eyewitness to the whole incident or evidence gathered from where the crime occurred is examined in a forensic lab throughout the criminal inquiry, after which the results are presented to the judge. Every criminal investigation is different from the next and presents different difficulties every time. A major contribution of forensic science to the criminal justice system is the scientific expertise that it provides through the analysis of tangible evidence and the identification of the offender using specific indicators like cell phones, watches, fingerprints, footprints, bloodstains and hair [5].

Forensic evidence serves three crucial functions within the criminal judicial process:

• It establishes the elements of a crime, aiding in the demonstration of its commission.
• It connects or disassociates the accused from the crime.
• It assists in the reconstruction of the crime scene.

Discussion

Statutory framework related to forensic science

Numerous regulations governing the use of forensic evidence in court and its admissibility have been included into the Indian legal system. The scientific validity and reliability of forensic evidence collection, preservation and analysis are ensured by these regulations. The major Indian laws pertaining to forensic science are listed below:

The Indian evidence act, 1872: It establishes the legal structure for admitting and assessing forensic evidence in Indian courts. The act establishes guidelines for the admission, relevance and weight of evidence, including forensic evidence and is intimately related to forensic science. When it comes to providing expert opinions, interpretations and analyses of forensic evidence, forensic specialists are indispensable in helping courts reach just findings in criminal cases. Important sections of the Indian evidence act pertaining to forensic science are as follows:

• Section 45: The act permits expert opinions, including those from forensic experts, as admissible evidence in court. These experts can offer insights on various subjects, including handwriting analysis, fingerprinting, DNA profiling, ballistics and other scientific or technical matters.
• Section 47: It addresses expert opinions on electronic evidence, allowing admissibility in cases involving digital records
• Section 73: It addresses the comparison of signatures, handwriting or finger impressions, permitting expert opinions crucial in cases questioning document identity or authenticity.
• Section 165: This section grants the court authority to question witnesses, including forensic experts, for clarification on technical or scientific evidence.

The code of criminal procedure, 1973: The CrPC and forensic science collaborate to ensure proper and legal collection, analysis and presentation of forensic evidence in criminal cases. Their relationship is crucial, with the CRPC offering procedural guidelines for investigations, prosecutions and trials involving forensic evidence [6].

• Section 53: This section concerns the medical examination of accused individuals, including the collection of bodily samples for forensic analysis.
• Section 207: It addresses providing accused individuals with copies of documents, including forensic reports, ensuring a fair opportunity to challenge presented evidence.
• Section 293-This section concerns the admissibility of reports from government scientific experts, specifying conditions for their acceptance as evidence in court.

The Indian penal code, 1860: The act serves as a detailed criminal code defining offenses and penalties in India, while forensic science employs scientific methods to analyses evidence in criminal investigations.

• Section 328: This section addresses offenses involving causing harm or injury through poison, corrosive substances or other harmful agents, specifying the corresponding penalties.
• Section 272 to 278: These sections pertain to offenses related to the adulteration of food or drink, counterfeit drugs and spreading infection, potentially necessitating forensic analysis for detecting harmful substances.
• Section 195 and 463: These sections relate to forgery and document tampering, potentially necessitating forensic scrutiny of handwriting, signatures or other document-related evidence.

The information technology act, 2000: This legislation in India is pivotal, regulating information technology and cybersecurity. It establishes a legal framework for digital evidence handling, preservation, investigation, prosecution and ensures data protection and privacy.

• Section 65B: This section of the act addresses the 'admissibility of electronic records,' specifying conditions for their admissibility as evidence in court. This includes the requirement that a someone holding a responsible official position certify electronic records. When it comes to following the rules and providing expert evidence in court, forensic specialists play a crucial role in guaranteeing the admissibility of electronic information.

Landmark judgements shaping forensic science in criminal investigation

The Indian courts has rendered a number of notable decisions that have affected the use of forensic evidence in court proceedings and its admissibility. These rulings have established guidelines for the application of forensic science in the Indian criminal justice system as well as established legal standards. Among them are:

State of Bombay vs. Kathi Kalu Oghad and Anr: In this instance, the supreme court decided that requiring individuals to produce forensic evidence such as blood, hair, semen and fingerprints does not violate article 20(3). This is in line with Indian evidence act section 73, which allows for the gathering of fingerprints or DNA samples from anybody, even the accused.

S.P.S Rathore vs. CBI and Anr: In evaluating the evidentiary value of a handwriting expert's view in relation to a disputed signature, the court made clear that this type of expert testimony is interpretive rather than conclusive. Confirming authenticity or identity by the evidence of a handwriting expert alone is insufficient. The court highlighted the necessity for careful consideration when assessing opinions from handwriting experts in forensic document examination [7].

Selvi vs. State of Karnataka: The supreme court set out guidelines for the admissibility of brain mapping, lie detector tests and narcoanalysis as evidence in court. According to the ruling, these tests cannot be conducted on a convict without permission from them and contravene their constitutional right to self-incrimination as stated in article 20(3) of the Indian constitution.

State of Tamil Nadu vs. Nalini: In the well-known case that is commonly referred to as the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, DNA evidence was crucial in linking the suspect to the murder as well as recognizing the victim and the person who assassinated him. The explosion and the dissection of victims destroyed physical evidence, but DNA testing was expertly used to create vital connections in this important case.

Surendra Koli vs. State of U.P: Forensic science was essential in resolving the complex aspects of this noteworthy case, which is well-known as the Nithari case. The accused was subjected to an extensive range of forensic procedures, including "narcoanalysis," which involved brain mapping, narcoanalysis medications and polygraph examinations. Koli had a thorough psychoanalysis by forensic specialists to comprehend his nuanced tendencies toward necrophilia, paraphilia and paedophilia. In addition, sophisticated forensic methods including "craniofacial reconstruction" were used to recreate facial characteristics on the recovered skulls in order to facilitate identification.

Restrictive application forensic evidence in Indian judicial system

Despite a surge in the use of forensic evidence in the Indian judiciary, its application remains restricted. Recent surveys by the supreme court and Delhi high court reveal that only 60-65 cases benefit from forensic evidence, with DNA evidence utilized in just 5% of murder and 3% of rape cases. This deficiency of scientific evidence contributes to a declining conviction rate. The court's reluctance to rely on forensic evidence stems from issues like improper collection, preservation and delays in sending evidence to labs. While forensic evidence holds significant potential, its efficient incorporation into investigations is crucial for its validity in legal proceedings [8].

Conclusion

In order to get a thorough knowledge of crimes, forensic science plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system by allowing skilled professionals to examine crime scenes, evidence and witness statements. It's important for law enforcement to use forensic science to properly identify and confront emerging criminal practices in light of rising crime rates and technological improvements. While applicable in various cases, forensic science significantly aids investigations of rape, homicide and burglary. Its scientific nature enhances authenticity, making it a prerequisite for ensuring fair justice in the criminal justice system.

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