From Crime Scene to Courtroom: The Role of Forensic Evidence in Legal Proceedings

 Author: Sayan Gangopadhyay, B. Sc Forensic Science (Sem II), Usha Martin University

Abstract: Forensic science is the scientific application of techniques and principles to investigate crimes and analyze evidence. Forensic science is a fascinating field that combines science and investigation to solve crimes. It involves using scientific methods to collect, analyze, and interpret evidence found at crime scenes. Forensic scientists examine things like fingerprints, DNA, fibers, and even insects to help uncover the truth. Forensic science plays a crucial role in the justice system by providing objective and scientific evidence that can be used in court. It helps investigators understand what happened during a crime and can help identify and convict criminals. 

Forensic Science: The application of science principles and methods to support legal decision-making in matters of criminal and civil law.

Ethics of forensic science: To maintain integrity of the evidence, true and accurate representation of data clear and complete document of the test performed and its result, did not do any impartiality of the examination and impartiality of testimony, maintain the confidentiality and disclosure, reporting of colleagues who violent the professional ethical code.

Crime Scene Reconstruction: It is the process of determinig or eliminating the events and action occurred at the crime scene. Reconstruction Involves the Scientific scene analysis, Laboratory examination and Systematic study of related information. Importance of crime scene reconstruction are it helps in determining crime, to find the evidence that were swiped earlier, to refreshed the memory of investigation.

Role of Forensic Evidence in Legal Proceedings:

Step 1 Registration of first information report (FIR).

Step 2 Police proceeds the scene of crime and investigation begins. The following              things are covered in this steps are :- Examination of crime scene, Examination of witness and suspect, Recording of statements, Conducting searches, Seizing properties, Collecting specific evidences, Maintaining entries of case diaries, station diaries, Making arrests Interrogation.

Step 3 Sending report to area magistrate after the completion of investigation.

Step 4 The court initiate the trial of case.

Step 5 Charges are framed, the accused is given full opportunity to defend themselves.

Step 6 If the trial ends the court may award punishmnts.

The 7'S of Crime-Scene Investigation: 

The first S is for Securing the Scene, secondly for Separating the Witnesses, thirdly Scanning the Scene, fourth one is for Seeing the Scene, fifth is for Sketching the Scene, sixth is for Searching for Evidence and at last seventh S is for Securing and Collecting Evidence.

Duties of Forensic officers :

In crime scene : The duties of forensic officer in crime scene are like analyze crime scenes to determine what evidence should be collected and how, take photographs of the crime scene and evidence, make sketches of the crime scene, record observations and findings, such as the location and position of evidence, collect evidence, including weapons, fingerprints, and bodily fluids.

In court of law : Forensic science provides evidence to prove a suspect innocent or guilty. The conclusion of testing of scientific evidences is to be presented in the court of law. Therefore, presenting testimony in the court of law is one of the most important duties by any forensic scientist.

Case studies :

In the case of State of U.P. v. Naresh and Others (2011), the Apex Court upheld the admissibility of DNA evidence in criminal cases, stating that it was a scientifically reliable means of establishing guilt or innocence.

In another case, State of Maharashtra v. Praful B. Desai (2003), the Supreme Court highlighted the importance of fingerprint evidence in criminal cases, stating that it was a valuable tool for identifying suspects and linking them to specific criminal activities. The court also emphasized the need for proper fingerprint analysis techniques to ensure that the evidence was reliable.

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