Science and Conscience: Ethical and Regulatory Dimensions of Criminal Investigation
Keywords:
Forensic Science, Criminal Investigation, Evidence-Based Justice, Ethics, Legal and Regulatory Framework.Abstract
The criminal investigation has shifted from tradition to evidence-based scientific investigation with the aid of developments in forensic science and interdisciplinary team work. The theme "Science and Conscience" underscores the importance of ensuring that scientific progress is accompanied by moral responsibility and legal accountability towards achieving justice. This review will discuss how forensic science is contributing to evidence-based justice using objective, reliable and legally admissible evidence, and the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in enhancing the accuracy of investigations. It also outlines the moral values that underpin the practice of criminal investigation, such as integrity, impartiality, professional competence, confidentiality and accountability. In the Indian context, this review examines the regime of criminal investigations such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, constitutional protection, and forensic regulatory mechanisms. Lastly, the review examines novel ethical and regulatory issues raised by AI, digital forensics, biometric technologies, and electronic evidence. It finds that scientific progress goes hand-in-hand with robust ethical control and proper legal frameworks in order to guarantee fair, trustworthy, and rights-based criminal investigations.
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