INTRODUCTION:
The role of forensic science in the courtroom has become increasingly crucial in resolving criminal and civil cases. Forensic scientists analyze crime scene evidence, performing objective forensic analysis to piece together events and identify perpetrators or exonerate the wrongly accused. Forensic science encompasses various specialties, such as DNA profiling, ballistics, and victim identification, each playing a vital role in criminal investigations and the judicial process.
With advances in technology and standardization of forensic techniques, the importance of forensic science in the courtroom cannot be overstated. From gathering evidence at the crime scene to presenting findings as an expert witness, forensic analysis provides impartial and reliable information to judges and juries, aiding the criminal justice system’s pursuit of truth and justice.
It is very often that the court asks for scientific evidence as it comes as an opinion and is produced in the court. The final decision will always depend on the judge itself and it should be impartial in nature.
FORENSIC SCIENCE:
Forensic science is the backbone of investigation (mostly criminal cases), aiding detectives, and police in solving cases by carefully analyzing evidence found at crime scenes. This evidence can range from fingerprints and bloodstains to digital data recovered from electronic devices. While TV shows often idealize the process, real forensic work is methodical and precise. Experts in fields like DNA analysis, ballistics, and toxicology employ advanced techniques to provide crucial evidence in court cases, sometimes even reopening long-cold cases with modern technology. They carefully document crime scenes, collect evidence, and testify in court, helping judges understand complex scientific findings. This interdisciplinary field constantly evolves, demanding continuous learning to follow the latest advancements. Forensic science ensures the integrity of the judicial system by providing impartial justice and scientific analysis to support investigations and fair trials.
TYPES OF FORENSIC EVIDENCE:
Common types of forensic evidence presented in court include DNA matching, fingerprint identification, hair and fiber analysis, ballistics, toxicology reports, digital evidence (computer/phone records, CCTV footage), and expert witness testimony spanning diverse fields like psychiatry and forensic accounting. This evidence can be obtained from crime scenes, victims, suspects, witnesses, or through specialized forensic techniques.
DNA evidence or DNA matching, derived from biological samples such as blood, saliva, or hair follicles, offers exceptional precision in linking suspects to crime scenes or victims. Fingerprint evidence, embedded in the unique ridge patterns on an individual’s fingertips, provides a tangible link between suspects and the places they’ve been.
Ballistic evidence, obtained through the meticulous examination of firearms and ammunition, enables experts to trace bullets and casings to specific weapons, aiding in the identification of wrongdoers. Trace evidence, including fibers, glass fragments, and soil samples, can offer crucial perception into the movements of individuals or objects within a crime scene.
Digital evidence, extracted from electronic devices like computers and smartphones, reveals a digital footprint that can corroborate or suppress alibis and testimonies. These various forms of forensic evidence, each with its own methodologies and strengths, collectively contribute to the complex interrelationship of criminal investigations, serving justice and ensuring accountability in the face of wrongdoing.
IMPORTANCE OF FORENSIC SCIENCE IN THE COURTROOM:
The significance of forensic evidence in the courtroom cannot be overstated, as it provides impartial, unbiased, and scientifically meticulous information and serves as a cornerstone of modern jurisprudence. Unlike witness testimony, which can be subjective, forensic evidence offers a level of certainty and accuracy unmatched by other forms of evidence. Its use promotes transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system, ensuring fair trials and protecting the rights of all parties involved. Furthermore, the rigorous standards and methodologies employed in forensic science help ensure the integrity and reliability of evidence presented in court, safeguarding against wrongful convictions and miscarriages of justice. In essence, forensic science serves as a powerful ally in the tackling of truth and justice, promoting the fair and impartial resolution of legal disputes in the courtroom.
PROCESS OF PRESENTING EVIDENCE BEFORE THE COURT:
Before presenting the evidence in the court of law it must be collected and preserved meticulously to maintain its integrity. Failure to do so may result in adverse sanctions. This involves following established protocols for handling, packaging, and storing evidence to prevent contamination or tampering. All evidence presented in court must be kept to the rules of admissibility as outlined in the relevant laws and statutes. Admissibility of Evidence may challenge by opposing party through legal motions. All documentary evidence must be properly certified and relevant to the case at hand. Parties presenting documentary evidence must provide copies to all the parties involved and submit the original copies to the court for inspection.
Forensic evidence undergoes thorough analysis and examination by indoctrinated experts using scientifically validated methods and techniques. Forensic experts may be called upon to testify in court as witnesses to present their findings and opinions. They provide explanations of the forensic analysis process, the significance of the evidence, and their conclusions based on the results. These experts are armed with years of specialized knowledge, could tilt the balance in intricate legal battles. Their credentials, reputation, and experience qualify them to play this crucial role in legal proceedings.
Witness testimony must be presented with the rules of evidence and may be subject to cross examination by the opposing party. Witnesses may be called by either party to prove the facts of the case. The recording of confessions and statements must be done by the magistrate u/s 164 of Criminal procedure code, 1973 and it may be used to corroborate or contradict a statement made in the court.
The opposing party has the right to challenge the admissibility and credibility of forensic evidence through cross-examination if they believe it does not meet the legal standards for admissibility. The judge has the power to rule on the objection and determine whether the evidence can be presented or not.
ADMISSIBILITY AND RELIABILITY OF FORENSIC EVIDENCE:
- LEGAL STANDARDS AND TESTS:
The applicability of forensic evidence in courts is a critical aspect that determines its impact on judicial decisions. Various standards and procedural requirements are in place to ensure that the evidence presented is not only relevant but also dependable and legally obtained. A chain of custody is crucial for forensic evidence, documenting its handling from the crime scene to the courtroom to ensure it has not been altered, tampered with, or contaminated. The scientific techniques used must have a known error rate and be subject to peer review and standardization.
- CHALLENGES AND LIMITATIONS:
Forensic evidence is a keystone of criminal investigations and legal proceedings. Measurements have some degree of uncertainty, and errors can arise from sample contamination, mislabeling, or expository mistakes during complex analysis. The justice system must critically calculate forensic evidence, considering not only its weight but also the probability of error.
Standard error rates are established for various forensic techniques, derived from validation studies and expertise testing. For instance, fingerprint analysis is subjective and depends on the examiner’s expertise, with a known error rate that must be considered during evaluation. It is essential for the judiciary to be aware of these limitations and continuously improve forensic methodologies and stringent quality controls to enhance the credibility and accuracy of forensic results.
CASE LAWS AND PRECEDENTS:
The applicability standards secure that forensic evidence contributes to the leisure pursuit of truth without compromising the rights of the accused or the integrity of the judicial process.
- In State of Haryana VS Bhagirath, the Supreme Court observed that scientific advances necessitate a progressive approach towards the acceptance of expert testimony, provided it meets the established criteria of reliability.
- In Mohan Singh v. State of Punjab, the Supreme Court held that expert testimony should be treated with caution, as experts only have the authority to provide opinions and not make final decisions.
The court has the authority to approve or disapprove the evidence supplied by experts through numerous examinations, and no lawyer could have presented the evidence.
- In Field VS Leeds City Council, the court determined that evidence supplied by specialists must be neutral in nature and relevant to the matter at hand. It was also satisfied that the evidence could not have been brought by any lawyer. They provide information that is outside the limit of the judgement and that is why this helps them to come to a correct decision. Experts only have the right to give opinions and not the final decision to a case.
- In Nitish Kumar Murder Case, it was very tough to find the person convict as only a very tiny portion of the palm with the finger was remain unburnt. By dint of forensic science DNA test was conducted and it helps in identifying and acknowledging the body by matching the DNA with the parents. This also helped the Hon’ble High court of Delhi to identify the accused.
Landmark judgments have influenced the admissibility criteria for scientific evidence, establishing precedents that courts must consider when evaluating forensic evidence. This progressive approach ensures that judicial decisions are made with a full understanding of the evidence’s strengths and limitations.
SUGGESTIONS BY MALIMATH COMMITTEE:
- To handle DNA samples and evidence, more well-resourced laboratories should be constructed.
- A specific law should be enacted that provides directions to police officers, establishing systematized rules for gathering genetic information and putting in place necessary protections to prevent its exploitation.
- It is recommended that a national DNA database be established, which will be extremely functional in the battle against menace.
CONCLUSION:
The role of forensic science in the courtroom has become vital in the pursuit of truth and justice. Its multidisciplinary nature, ranging from DNA profiling to digital forensics, provides objective and scientific evidence that aids in resolving complex cases. While the admissibility and reliability of forensic evidence are subject to legal standards and rigorous scientific validation, its significance in judicial proceedings cannot be overstated.
Effective communication between forensic experts and legal professionals is crucial for the accurate interpretation and evaluation of scientific findings. The forensic evidence is more valuable than the general evidence produced in the court. As forensic science evolves, its integration with the legal system will become even more seamless, further reinforcing the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability in courtroom proceedings. There can be leading edge in the country by making our forensic science grow. This can make rigid, rigorous sanctions on the accused.
FAQs:
1. Why is forensic science important in legal cases?
Forensic science plays a pivotal role in the courtroom by providing the necessary evidence to establish a fair verdict. It incorporates advanced technology and methodologies from diverse fields like medicine, biology, chemistry, and pharmacology to examine crime scene evidence.
2. What does a forensic expert do in a legal setting?
Forensic experts are responsible for presenting and interpreting scientific evidence in court. They meticulously analyze evidence gathered at crime scenes, which can include bodies, to help determine the guilt or innocence of a suspect.
3. In what ways is forensic science applied at crime scenes and in legal proceedings?
Forensic science is integral to collecting and analyzing evidence from crime scenes, victims, suspects, and witnesses. It encompasses various specialties such as digital forensics, toxicology, ballistics, DNA analysis, and fingerprint analysis, each contributing to building a comprehensive case for or against a suspect.
4. What specific aspects do forensic scientists examine?
Forensic scientists primarily focus on analyzing physical evidence in laboratories. They use sophisticated tools like microscopes and chemicals, alongside computers for DNA and other digital evidence analysis, to match collected samples with people, vehicles, weapons, and other relevant elements.
References:
- https://blog.ipleaders.in/admissibility-forensic-evidence/
- https://legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-10415-role-of-forensic-evidence-in-criminal-justice-delivery-system-in-india.html
- https://shantiwellnesscare.com/index.php/2023/12/12/how-evidence-is-presented-in-court-legal-process-explained/
- https://law.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/1586360/03Edmond2.pdf
- https://www.writinglaw.com/forensic-science-in-courtroom/#:~:text=Forensic%20science%20is%20like%20a,helps%20courts%20uncover%20the%20truth.
AUTHOR NAME – CHANDAN KUMAR DASH
2ND YEAR LLB (H)
SOA NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF LAW, BHUBANESWAR
