Scientific Support in Criminal Justice: Dr A K Puri

Recent uproar against the heinous physical violence and rape of a student in Delhi has brought about demand across India for most stringent punishment to perpetrators of the crime. There is justified anger and outburst against those involved in the crime. Data on incidence of rape and crime against women showing an upward trend, has led to an outcry for instant, exemplary punishment to act as a deterrent. On the ground, however, there are reports of a dismal, low rate of conviction and punishment being awarded to rapists. Despite a stringent law with provision of life term as the maximum punishment for such crimes where is the catch in delivery of justice? Benefit of doubt in favour of the accused may be most critical factor that results in lower convictions. In the court of law a criminal charge has to be proved against the accused with scientific evidence towards involvement of the accused. Forensic experts provide this dimension. A career in forensic science helps provide a scientific platform to the criminal justice delivery process.

Forensic science is the application of a broad spectrum of sciences and technologies to investigate and establish facts of interest in relation to criminal or civil law. Forensic science is primarily concerned with the application of scientific principles for the investigation of crime. Using the very latest in technology, forensic scientists convert the clues collected from a crime scene into evidence admissible in a court of law. It is the use or application of science in courts or legal proceedings. Forensic science is not a discipline or branch of science, but is a catch-all for many distinct disciplines. 

Forensic scientists analyze all physical evidence found on a victim on the scene of a crime and compare it to evidence found on a suspect and provide expert testimony in a court of law. The evidences might include traces of blood, saliva, other body fluids, hair, fingerprints, footwear and tyre impressions, explosives, specimens of tissue for poisons, blood and urine for alcohol etc. Their expertise lies in the determination of facts using these evidences. They have to prepare a report of their investigation and appear in the court to give evidence. They work closely with the police to provide scientific evidence that is admissible in the court.

Forensic Science is essentially a crime laboratory-based profession, the course qualifies students to apply their knowledge of science to the investigation of crime. But the expertise of a forensic professional is also used in civil cases for issues like proving the validity of a signature on a will, to a claim of the products liability, to find out whether an industry is complying with environmental rules. 

Some of the most popular fields of specialization in forensic science are: 

Crime Scene Investigation

The most important task in this field is locating and collecting necessary evidence at the crime scene. Through analysis of the evidence, forensic scientists reconstruct criminal events to explain what happened and possibly identify a suspect. Other responsibilities of a crime scene investigator include securing the crime scene and making sure that the possible evidences are not  contaminated.

Forensic Pathology/ Medicine

The main responsibility of forensic pathologists is to examine bodies and determine the cause of death. This is important especially in cases of suspected suicide, murder, or homicide. Forensic pathologists are also important in cases of unexpected deaths due to accidents. Should there be cases of post mortem examinations on bodies that are no longer fresh, forensic pathologists  also determine the possible date and time of death. 

Forensic Anthropology

Forensic anthropologists have a role in identifying bodies. Forensic anthropologists analyze skeletal remains to identify necessary information such as age, descent, gender and stature in case of mutilated bodies. Their roles in identification are especially important in cases of accidents, tragedies, or disasters such as explosions, plane crashes, vehicular accidents, fires, and earthquakes. 

Forensic Psychology and Psychiatry

Forensic psychologists and psychiatrists play significant roles in identifying suspects to suggest possible psychological profiles by analyzing evidences and crime scenes. They also assist decision-making processes in criminal trials with an ability to evaluate whether a suspect had  an unhealthy mental state in the commission of a crime or fit to stand trial. They also play significant roles in treating suspects found to be mentally ill. 

Forensic Dentistry (Odontology)

Odontologists aid in identifying skeletal remains or fresh bodies through dental records. They assist criminal trials by collecting and evaluating dental evidence especially in cases where the victims' struggle has left bite marks in the crime scene or on the suspects' body. Odontologists also have the ability to reconstruct skulls to aid in identification. 

Clinical Forensic Medicine

The most significant role of those engaged in clinical forensics is examining injured suspects and determining whether injuries were caused by the commission of a crime. Criminal investigations and proceedings can benefit from clinical forensics through the determination of how and when injury was sustained by the suspects in custody. 

Forensic Chemist

The roles of forensic chemists vary depending on the nature of the case. In drug cases, they have the ability to not only determine whether illegal drugs were used but also identify the specific drugs and their components. In cases of fire, they can determine whether arson is involved by examining accelerants. Other roles of forensic chemists include examining explosive and gunshot residues or paint, glass, polymers, and fibers which are often collected as trace evidence. 

Ballistics

Forensic scientists specializing in the field of ballistics are responsible for examining projectiles. This is very important especially nowadays when most crimes are committed with firearms. By determining the flight paths of bullets, the location where a firearm was discharged can be identified. In most cases, the height and distance of the shooter from a victim can also be determined through the evaluation of angles. 

Toxicology

Toxicologists identify whether illegal drugs or poisonous substances have been used. They have the ability to determine the specific substances used, the level of toxicity and their effects in bodily functions. 

Forensic Engineer

Forensic engineers deal mainly with traffic accidents and fire investigations where they are responsible for determining causes of cases by reconstructing the scenes. They also determine whether the quality of vehicles or structures is to blame. 

All those who have a scientific bend of mind with an interest in contributing to rule of law through punishing the criminals with scientific evidence will find a career in forensic science satisfying and rewarding.

(Author is Director General at Institute of Technology and Science and a renowned Career Counselor. He can be contacted at [email protected])