Investigating the Future: Integrating Biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Science in Criminal Justice
Biotechnology, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital science are rapidly changing the way criminal investigations are conducted into an intelligent and evidence-based investigation process. The review will explore the benefits of these technologies in improving the effectiveness and accuracy of the modern criminal justice system and their impact on reliability. It covers important advancements in forensic biotechnology, such as DNA profiling, next generation sequencing, rapid DNA analysis, molecular biomarkers for human identification and forensic microbiology. The review also delves into AI's capabilities for crime pattern recognition, forensic image analysis, biometric identification, predictive policing, and explainable decision support. Furthermore, it emphasizes the emerging importance of digital science in the areas of digital forensics, Internet of Things (IoT) evidence, big data analytics, blockchain-based evidence management, and integrated forensic workflows. Finally, the review explores privacy, cybersecurity, algorithmic bias, and legal admissibility, as well as highlights the future trajectory of criminal justice technology, which should be multidisciplinary, and the role of smart forensic laboratories.
The Laboratory of Tomorrow: Automation, Robotics, and Innovation in Smart Forensic Science
Traditional forensic labs are becoming smart lab, technology-driven labs and transforming the modern forensic science. The use of automation, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), and digital technologies are improving the speed, accuracy, and reliability of forensic investigations and minimizing human effort and error. This review focuses on the transition of forensic laboratories from manual to integrated and automated processes and the role of robotic platforms, digital workflow management and intelligent forensic laboratory infrastructures. It also emphasizes on the use of smart technologies in Forensic Pathology, Digital Forensics, Biometrics, Crime scene investigation, Forensic chemistry and Forensic genetics. The review also looks at the key advantages and implementation constraints of smart forensic laboratories and forecasts future trends such as incorporation of artificial intelligence into robotics, Internet of Things (IoT) enabled monitoring, cloud data management, digital twins, and interoperable laboratory systems. The developments are expected to enhance the efficiency of the laboratory and also contribute to the scientifically sound and legally defensible forensic practices.
Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
Machines as Analysts: AI-Assisted Decision-Making and Evidence Interpretation in Forensic Science
Forensic science now utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) as a decision support tool to improve the interpretation, analysis, and evaluation of increasingly complex evidence. This review focuses on pattern recognition, image and multimedia analysis, DNA interpretation, and medical forensics as major forensic applications that employ AI-assisted decision making. It explains the basics of artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning, as well as the process for AI support in forensic decision making. The review also takes into account the scientific reliability, explainability of AI, validation of the models, transparency of the algorithm, and the legal admissibility of AI generated evidences in Indian legal landscape in light of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. Finally, it highlights current challenges, future technological developments, and the importance of human–AI collaboration. The review recommends that AI is a scientifically developed decision support tool that is used alongside forensic analysis to provide accurate, transparent and legally defensible evidence interpretation.
Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI)
Mining for Clues: Big Data Analytics and the Transformation of Criminal Intelligence
Big data analytics is a game-changing technology in criminal intelligence as it helps law enforcement agencies to derive actionable insights from big and diverse data sets. This review highlights how integration of information from police records, surveillance systems, mobile devices, social media, financial transactions, geospatial databases, and open source intelligence are being used to improve criminal investigations using big data analytics. It provides an overview of essential analytical methods such as data mining, machine learning, text mining, link analysis, social network analysis and how they can be used in crime pattern analysis, predictive policing, organized crime detection and cybercrime investigations. The review also sheds light on the technical, ethical and legal issues related to data quality, privacy, algorithmic bias, governance, etc. with specific focus on the Indian context. Finally, it examines future trends like the use of artificial intelligence, real-time intelligence platforms, the cloud and edge computing, explainable AI, and cross-agency data sharing, which will influence intelligence-led policing in the future.
Face of Justice: Biometrics, Facial Recognition, and the Ethics of Intelligent Surveillance
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has greatly improved biometric technologies, such as facial recognition, which are now an essential part of intelligent surveillance and contemporary criminal justice systems. It is a review of the principles, applications, opportunities, ethical considerations and regulatory issues on the use of AI powered Facial Recognition Technology in India. It outlines the basics of biometric modalities, how facial recognition works, and some of the ways it can be applied in law enforcement, border security, smart cities, and digital identity management. The review also emphasizes the efficiency and effectiveness of smart surveillance in crime prevention and suspect identification, as well as its limitations and the need for human monitoring. Ethical concerns such as privacy and data protection, algorithmic bias, civil liberties and new regulatory frameworks are critically analyzed, as are future policy trends and directions to support responsible and ethical use of biometric surveillance technology, to ensure that it is transparent, secure and accountable.
Predicting the Unpredictable: Machine Learning for Crime Pattern Recognition and Forensic Analytics
Machine Learning (ML) is a game-changing technology for crime pattern recognition and forensic analytics, as it allows for data-driven analysis of massive and complex crime data sets. This review addresses the use of ML for crime pattern prediction, crime hotspot detection, offender behaviour analysis, serial crime linkage, and digital forensic investigations. It discusses the fundamental concepts of data preprocessing, feature engineering, major ML categories, and commonly used algorithms for crime prediction. The review also discusses the practical implications, model performance measures, technical hurdles, ethical concerns, and, importantly, the implications for the Indian criminal justice system. The current trends in AI, like Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI), federated learning, Graph Neural Networks (GNNs), multimodal data fusion, and human-AI collaborative investigation, are also discussed. In general, the use of ML holds great promise for improving intelligence-led policing and evidence-based forensic investigations, but needs to be implemented with transparency, fairness and legal accountability.
The Algorithmic Investigator: Opportunities and Risks of Artificial Intelligence in Criminal Justice
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into criminal justice is revolutionizing how crimes are investigated, analyzed, and prosecuted, with the aim of increasing efficiency and precision in decision-making. In this review, the concept of the algorithmic investigator is explored, and the development of AI is discussed in relation to its use in the criminal justice process, such as predictive policing, digital evidence analysis, facial recognition, forensic science, and judicial risk assessment. It also talks about the potential of AI, including quicker investigations, better crime detection, effective resource management, better digital forensics, and judicial administration support. The review also examines critical ethical, legal and societal issues such as algorithmic bias, privacy issues, lack of transparency, reliability of AI-generated evidence and threats of 'deep fakes'. Finally, it delves into governance frameworks, regulatory approaches, and the trajectory of responsible AI implementation, highlighting the need for human oversight, explainable AI, data protection, and ethical considerations in India's criminal justice system.
Intelligence from the Open Web: OSINT and Forensic Investigation of Social Media
Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) is a vital component in digital forensic investigations today as it allows investigators to gather and analyze information that is available in the public domain. Social media platforms have grown significantly, leaving behind huge digital traces that can be useful in cybercrime investigations, fraud detection, missing person investigations, terrorism monitoring and intelligence gathering. This review will discuss the basics of OSINT and Social Media Intelligence (SOCMINT), the major OSINT techniques used in forensic investigations, and how these techniques are used in the social media world. The paper also identifies some of the significant issues, such as protection of privacy, legal jurisdiction, authenticity of data and cross-platform investigations, especially the Indian perspective. Additionally, the authors explore new technologies that have the potential to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and reliability of future OSINT-based forensic investigations, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing and predictive analytics.
Tracing the Digital Footprints: Blockchain Analysis and Cryptocurrency Crime Investigation
Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies have transformed the world of digital financial systems, providing decentralized, transparent, and secure digital transactions. Their widespread adoption has also made them easier to use for cybercrime activities like ransomware, money laundering, phishing, operating a darknet marketplace, investing and even terrorist financing. This review explores how blockchain analytics can be used to trace digital footprints, aiding cryptocurrency crime investigations. It covers the basics of the blockchain architecture, transactional operations of cryptocurrencies, as well as relevant forensics methods such as transaction graph analysis, wallet clustering, address attribution, and fund tracing. The review also describes some of the most common crimes involving cryptocurrencies, typical digital investigation processes, and the use of blockchain forensic tools. Finally, it has identified the technical hurdles associated with technologies that enhance privacy, legal and regulatory concerns in India, and trends like artificial intelligence-based blockchain analytics and cross-chain forensic investigations to improve the detection and digital forensic capabilities of cybercrime in the future.
Evidence in the Cloud: Forensic Examination of Mobile Devices and Cloud Environments
The digital forensic investigation landscape has changed dramatically due to the merging of digital forensics analysis with the cloud and smartphones, which has created multiple and distributed sources of digital evidence. This review will explore the forensic analysis of smartphone artefacts, cloud storage, synchronization information, metadata, and user accounts, which are the primary sources of digital evidence. It covers overview of the forensic investigation process, evidence collection methods on mobile devices and cloud platforms, and popular forensic tools. The review also examines the critical technical and legal issues, including encryption, data volatility, multi-tenancy, privacy regulations and cross-border jurisdiction. Finally, it introduces emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, forensic automation, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT) forensics, zero-trust cloud security and cloud-native forensic frameworks. In the context of contemporary cybercrime landscape, the integration of mobile and cloud forensic methodologies is crucial to ensure successful and reliable digital investigations with legally sound results.
Hunting Criminals in Cyberspace: Investigative Strategies for the Digital Era
The digital technologies, interdependencies, and Internet services are rapidly expanding, creating a serious challenge for cybercrime. This review provides an overview of the evolving cybercrime environment and the investigative methods used to detect, investigate, analyze, and prosecute cyber criminals in the digital age. It covers common types of cybercrime, the digital investigation process, and how digital forensics can be used to collect, preserve and analyze digital evidence. The review also emphasizes on new investigation techniques such as Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), Network and Malware Analysis, Artificial Intelligence and international cooperation in the context of Indian cybercrime environment. Also, it provides solutions to key issues like privacy, cloud computing, anonymous communication and jurisdiction. The review identifies the need for the adoption of innovative forensic tools, the use of standardized investigation protocols, and the collaboration between countries to improve cybercrime investigations and digital justice.
The Digital Crime Scene: Principles, Methods, and Challenges in Digital Forensics
Digital forensics has emerged as a vital field used to investigate crimes involving computers, mobile devices, networks, cloud platforms, and other digital technologies. The concept of the digital crime scene and the scientific principles, standardized methodologies, and technologies that are the foundation of contemporary digital forensic investigations are explored in this review. It covers the basics of digital forensics, the nature of digital evidence, the chain of custody, forensic soundness and the internationally agreed guidelines for the handling of evidence. The review also provides a description of the digital forensic investigation process, the various sources of digital evidence in the investigation as well as the commonly used digital forensic tools for evidence collection and analysis. Finally, it covers challenges of the modern era, such as encryption, cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, anti-forensic methods and legal issues, and explores the potential influence of artificial intelligence and automation on improving forensic investigations. The review highlights the importance of standardisation, reliability and advancement of forensic procedures for the effective investigation of cybercrimes and judicial decision making.
Decoding the Silent: Forensic Anthropology and the Identification of Human Remains
Forensic anthropology is an essential component of the scientific identification of the unknown human remains in criminal and humanitarian investigations using osteological, biological and medico-legal principles. This review emphasizes the importance of forensic anthropology in the interpretation of skeletal remains to determine identity when other identification methods are inadequate or unavailable. It covers biological profile development by sex, age at death, stature estimation, and population affinity estimation and the role of individual skeletal features in personal identification. The review also covers the state-of-the-art identification methods such as radiographic comparison, computed tomography (CT), three-dimensional (3D) imaging, craniofacial superimposition, DNA analysis and new developments of artificial intelligence and digital anthropology. Recent technological developments, current challenges and future directions in forensic anthropology are also included in the discussion, highlighting the ongoing development of forensic anthropology as an essential field for the accurate and scientifically valid human identification.
Every Contact Leaves a Trace: Forensic Analysis of Hair, Fibers, Paint, Glass, and Soil
Trace evidence is an essential part of forensic science as it provides associations between suspects, victims, objects and crime scenes through the transfer of minute materials. The study of hair, fibers, paint, glass, and soil can yield clues that help in reconstructing the scene of a crime and making investigative decisions, according to the principles of Locard's Exchange Principle. The main categories of trace evidence are discussed, as well as their forensic importance, in addition to how it can be collected, preserved, and analyzed, including the use of microscopy, FTIR, Raman, SEM-EDS, XRF, XRD, ICP-MS and DNA. It also examines the forensic applications, interpretation challenges associated with transfer, persistence, and contamination, as well as quality assurance practices. Finally, recent developments using chemometrics, hyperspectral imaging, laser ablation ICP-MS, artificial intelligence and machine learning are discussed, highlighting their potential to enhance the accuracy, reliability and scientific value of trace evidence in contemporary criminal investigations.
Teeth as Testimony: Advances and Controversies in Bite Mark Analysis and Forensic Odontology
Forensic odontology has emerged as an important discipline in forensic science by utilizing dental evidence for human identification, age estimation, disaster victim identification, and medico-legal investigations. Bite mark analysis has been used in the past to help identify possible suspects of violent crimes by matching patterned wounds with those of specific bite marks. This review outlines the scientific principles of bite mark analysis such as human dentition, bite mark formation, evidence collection and characteristics. New technologies like digital imaging, 3-D imaging, computer-assisted comparison, DNA profiling and microbiome testing have enhanced the documentation of evidence and analysis. The review also explores key limitations of bite mark analysis, such as distortion of the skin, examiner bias, inadequate scientific validation, and the potential for false convictions. Moreover, it outlines the legal admissibility and ethical obligations of bite mark evidence in the Indian judicial system highlighting the importance of multi-disciplinary and scientifically accepted forensic practices.
Weapons of Evidence: Scientific Methods in Firearms, Toolmark, and Ballistic Investigation
Firearm, toolmark, and ballistic investigations are critical areas of forensic science that can provide evidence that is scientifically reliable in the reconstruction of firearm related crimes and for the judicial decision making process. This review discusses the scientific principles and fundamental techniques used in firearm examination, tool mark identification, and ballistic investigation, and their forensic value. It covers the classification of firearms, the examination of evidence, gunshot residue analysis, comparison microscopy, three dimensional surface analysis, and the use of advanced laboratory techniques to examine toolmarks on the firearm. The review also examines the use of automated ballistic identification systems, digital imaging, and the new technologies that are increasingly improving the objectivity and effectiveness of forensic examinations, like artificial intelligence and machine learning. Current issues, such as evidence variability, standardization, examiner bias, and technological validation, are also discussed. The assimilation of scientific approaches and state-of-the-art technologies remains to enhance the reliability, accuracy and evidentiality of the firearm and toolmark investigation in modern forensic practice.
Ink and Intent: Questioned Document Examination and Handwriting Analysis in the Modern Era
Questioned document examination (QDE) is a crucial area of forensic science that utilizes scientific knowledge and sophisticated analytical methods to establish the authenticity, authorship and integrity of a questioned document. This review “Ink and Intent: Questioned Document Examination and Handwriting Analysis in the Modern Era” provides a basic introduction to the principles of handwriting identification and the various aspects of individuality, natural variation, specimen collection, handwriting characteristics and common forgery methods. It also investigates the current scientific and instrumental methods, including microscopy, Video Spectral Comparator (VSC), Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA), Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, XRF, chromatography and mass spectrometry, for the authentication of documents and the characterization of materials. The review also addresses the effect of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning and Digital Forensic Technologies in Handwriting Comparison, Signature Verification and Digital Document Analysis. Lastly, it underscores the various forensic uses, evidential value, and growing challenges with sophisticated document forgeries and AI-generated documents, while urging for uniform approaches and ongoing technological development to ensure reliable forensic evidence in today's judicial systems.
Ridges of Evidence: Emerging Technologies in Fingerprint Science and Automated Identification
Fingerprint science is one of the most scientifically sound and dependable methods to identify human beings in forensic investigations. This review covers the biological basis of fingerprint science and traditional ridge classification, as well as advanced automated fingerprint identification systems and AI-powered technologies. It covers developments in the science of detecting, visualizing, collecting and reading latent prints, as well as Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS), including the use of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) and novel computational tools to enhance recognition accuracy and efficiency. The review also tackles issues related to poor quality fingerprints, algorithmic bias and interoperability of databases among fingerprints, as well as the law related to automated fingerprint evidence in India. In summary, the use of sophisticated imaging techniques, biometric matching, and intelligent computational tools has revolutionized fingerprint analysis, making it a quicker, more objective, and almost foolproof aspect of modern forensics.
Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)
Nature as Witness: Environmental Forensics and Scientific Responses to Ecological Crime
Environmental crimes are grave threats to the ecosystem, biodiversity, public health and sustainable development and require strong scientific methods to investigate and prevent. Environmental forensics has become an interdisciplinary science that brings together chemistry, biology, geology, toxicology, molecular science and geospatial technologies to determine sources, characterize and track environmental contaminants, and provide legally defensible evidence. This review addresses the concept of the "Nature as Witness" focusing on the natural elements that include soil, water, air, sediments, vegetation and wildlife, which maintain physical, chemical and biological evidence of disturbances to the environment. The paper addresses pollution investigations, illegal mining, investigations of wildlife crime, oil spills, and plastic contamination investigations, as they relate to environmental crime scene investigation and evidence collection, as well as some of the analytical processes used, such as chemical fingerprinting, stable isotope analysis, environmental DNA, chromatography, spectroscopy, and remote sensing. It also emphasises on legal, regulatory and scientific problems in the Indian scenario and discusses new technologies like Artificial Intelligence, IoT-based monitoring, portable forensic instruments and climate forensics. The review highlights that the adoption of cutting-edge scientific approaches alongside good environmental governance measures can reinforce environmental justice, enhance environmental criminal investigations, and facilitate sustainable natural resource conservation.
Hidden in Plain Sight: Cosmetic Products as Trace Evidence in Criminal Investigation
The use of cosmetic products in forensic investigations is increasingly acknowledged and valued because of their ubiquity, chemical complexity, and potential to transfer between people, objects and environments. The present review highlights the forensic aspects of cosmetics, covering their classification, chemical composition, and transfer mechanisms, as per Locard's Exchange Principle. It also identifies and emphasizes the standardized methods used to collect, preserve, and laboratory analyze cosmetic residue to provide evidence for evidential integrity. The review presents the main analytical methods used for cosmetic characterization, such as spectroscopic, chromatographic, microscopic and elemental methods; these methods allow a reliable discrimination of cosmetic formulations. Furthermore, the importance of cosmetic traces as evidence and forensic value in homicide, sexual assault, burglary and other crime scenes are explained with particular focus on the corroborative and crime scene reconstruction aspects. Finally, the current challenges in interpretation of cosmetic evidence and new technologies, including high-resolution mass spectrometry, hyperspectral imaging, chemometrics and artificial intelligence are discussed. These improvements will make cosmetic trace evidence more reliable, sensitive, and acceptable to the courts, and solidify its value in the modern forensic setting.
Poison and Proof: Forensic Toxicology and the Science of Drug-Facilitated Crime
Drug-facilated crimes, such as drug-facilated sexual assault (DFSA), pose a serious problem for forensic science and the criminal justice system because incapacitating agents can have a short half-life and numerous pharmacological effects. The review considers the contribution of forensic toxicology to the detection, identification and interpretation of the toxic components of DFCs. It addresses the pharmacological properties of potentially involved substances such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), ketamine, opioids, cannabinoids, stimulants, antihistamines and novel psychoactive substances (NPS). The review also discusses the collection and storage methods for biological specimens, current analytical methods including GC–MS, LC–MS/MS and HRMS, toxicokinetics, detection wind006Fws, and polydrug exposure. Further, it identifies forensic, legal, and ethical issues in the Indian scenario, presents new technologies such as ‘AI’, ‘Metabolomics', and advanced analytical platforms that are likely to further bolster the science of toxicological work and enhance the scientific integrity of the toxicological evidence.
High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS)
Molecular Signatures of Crime: Biomarkers and Biochemical Evidence in Forensic Science
The molecular biomarkers have revolutionized forensic science by providing a powerful tool for the highly sensitive and reliable analysis of biological evidence in criminal investigations. The present review discusses the use of molecular signatures such as genetic, protein, metabolite, micro-biological and body fluid signatures for better forensic identification and evidence interpretation. It is concerned with the use of sophisticated analytical techniques like genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, spectroscopy, chromatography and mass spectrometry to find and characterize forensic samples with accuracy. The review also emphasizes the significance of molecular signatures in the identification of body fluids, estimation of post mortem interval, forensic toxicology, forensic pathology, human identification and crime scene reconstruction. Various challenges in current research, such as degradation of samples, ethical issues and standardisation of analytical protocols, are also discussed. Some innovations that are currently emerging, such as the use of artificial intelligence, the integration of multiple omics technologies, portable forensic technologies, and advanced bioinformatics are highlighted as potential tools to improve forensic investigations. Overall, molecular biomarkers give a solid scientific underpinning to precise forensic science and further enhance the reliability and credibility of modern criminal justice systems.
Biotechnology in the Courtroom: Applications and Frontiers in Criminal Investigation
Biotechnology is a game-changing technology for contemporary criminal investigations, bringing together molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, and bioinformatics into forensic science and judicial practices. This review addresses the role of biotechnology in the courtroom, its scientific principles, the key techniques in forensic biotechnology, and the significance of biological evidence in criminal investigations. It addresses major applications such as DNA Profiling, Crime scene investigation, Kinship analysis, Forensic toxicology, Disaster victim identification, Sexual assault investigation, Forensic genealogy, etc. that have greatly enhanced the accuracy and reliability of human identification. The review also delves into new areas like next generation sequencing, forensic epigenetics, transcriptomics, proteomics, microbiomics, artificial intelligence and rapid DNA technologies that are transforming forensic practice. Further, it examines the admissibility, ethical issues and regulations relating to biotechnology evidence in India. Finally, the review highlights future developments that will further support evidence-based investigations, improve judicial decision-making and create a more effective, transparent, and technologically advanced criminal justice system.
Beyond the Double Helix: Emerging Trends in Forensic DNA Technologies
Advances in forensic DNA technology have been remarkable, growing from the use of classic DNA profiling to sophisticated molecular technologies that deliver full genetic information for criminal investigations and human identification. This review discusses the development of forensic DNA technologies that have transcended the original model of the DNA double helix, covering recent advances in DNA profiling, sequencing and new molecular technologies. Forensic DNA technologies have advanced greatly, most notably through the use of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG), Short Tandem Repeat (STR) profiling, Rapid DNA, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) analysis, forensic DNA phenotyping, epigenetic markers, microbial forensics, and environmental DNA. The review also explains how these technologies are used in crime scene investigation, disaster victim identification, missing persons, forensics in wildlife and cold case resolution. Finally, it critically scrutinises the ethical, legal and scientific issues of the use of advanced forensic DNA in the Indian context, highlighting the importance of proper governance, standardisation and responsible implementation.
Identity at the Molecular Level: Advances in Forensic Biology and Human Identification
Analyses based on genetic material have been transformed by molecular forensic biology, which allows for the accurate and reliable analysis of DNA. The use of new technologies such as DNA Profiling, short tandem repeat (STR), mitochondrial DNA analysis, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping and rapid DNA systems has enhanced the examination of biological evidence in routine and complex forensic cases. New molecular techniques, including next-generation sequencing, forensic epigenetics, transcriptomics, and microbiome analysis, have also broadened the forensic science toolbox to help with age estimation and tissue identification, or to improve the analysis of degraded or mixed samples. These technologies can be used in crime scene investigation, disaster victim identification, kinship testing, and wildlife forensics. While all of this has been achieved, there are still problems of ethical governance, genetic privacy, laboratory standardization and the interpretation of complex genetic evidence, especially in developing forensic systems like India. Investment in advanced technologies, skilled personnel, accredited laboratories and robust regulatory frameworks will help to further develop molecular forensic biology and facilitate the accurate, ethical and efficient identification of human remains in the criminal justice system.
Science and Conscience: Ethical and Regulatory Dimensions of Criminal Investigation
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.
Evidence Under Scrutiny: Admissibility, Reliability, and the Forensic-Legal Interface
The role of forensic evidence in the modern criminal justice system has proven to be an invaluable tool that provides scientific assistance in the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of criminal justice cases. But the reliance on scientific evidence has also made the assessment of reliability, admissibility and applicability of law to scientific evidence an object of growing interest. The review examines the basic principles and types of forensic evidence, the scientific principles that underlie the examination of forensic evidence and the need for validation, quality assurance and accredited laboratory procedures. It also highlights the legal framework in respect of admissibility of forensic evidence in India in terms of Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 with a focus on judicial assessment on scientific findings. The changing nature of the forensic–legal interface is also explored, emphasizing the need for proper communication, ethical obligations and institutional cooperation between forensic specialists and the judiciary. Finally, it raises modern issues like forensic mistakes, digital evidence, standardized scientific practices and artificial intelligence. Building the capability of forensic infrastructure, professional competence, and quality assurance is crucial to enhance the credibility of forensic evidence and to ensure fair, transparent and evidence-based justice.
Securing the Truth: Scientific Principles and Practices in Crime Scene Management
Crime scene management is the scientific basis of criminal investigation where the truth is determined by systematically gathering, documenting, preserving, analysing, and interpreting evidence. The integrity of the crime scene procedures and adherence to scientifically proven principles are crucial to the reliability of forensic findings and judicial outcomes. This review focuses on the concept and goals of crime scene management and highlights the scientific principles involved with forensics, such as Locard's Exchange Principle, individuality, progressive change, scientific analysis and objectivity. It also addresses the standardized procedures used in the evaluation of a crime scene, evidence identification, evidence collection and preservation, chain of custody, crime scene laboratory examination, and reconstructing criminal events. The review also examines how forensic evidence analysis is used to reconstruct a criminal incident and the potential of new technologies like 3D documentation, artificial intelligence, drones, digital forensics and geospatial systems in contemporary investigations. This review highlights the scientific soundness of crime scene management, which enhances the accuracy of investigations, maintains evidence integrity, and contributes to the fair and just administration of justice by combining theory with methodology and technology. Implementing these scientific practices is still critical to the truth and to increasing confidence in forensic science and criminal justice systems.
Convergence at the Crime Scene: Multidisciplinary Science in Contemporary Criminal Justice
The convergence of multiple scientific disciplines has transformed contemporary criminal justice by enhancing the accuracy, reliability, and efficiency of criminal investigations. It is an overview of the multidisciplinary science in contemporary forensic science, focusing on the integration of the concepts of crime scene investigation, digital forensic, forensic psychology, evidence management, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. The study underscores the importance of collaboration among forensic scientists, psychologists, digital investigators, engineers, and legal professionals in the collection, interpretation, and decision-making process in court cases. Cybercrime investigations have been enhanced by developments in digital forensic technologies and behavioral profiling has enhanced the knowledge of offender characteristics and investigative strategies. In addition, AI and data analytics have revolutionized forensic investigations by streamlining evidence handling, pattern recognition, and predictive analysis. Despite these developments, issues of evidence integrity, algorithmic bias, privacy, ethics, and the admissibility of evidence remain to have an impact on forensic practice. In conclusion, the integration of multiple scientific disciplines into the field of criminal justice has emerged as a cornerstone of modern operations, enhancing the effectiveness of investigations, aiding evidence-based decision-making, and ensuring justice and accurate judgments in the courtroom.
Intuition to Innovation: The Scientific Evolution of Criminal Investigation
The nature of criminal investigation has changed in a drastic way from the intuitive approach to scientifically oriented investigative techniques. This review addresses the history of criminal investigation through a focus on the beginnings of scientific investigation, the development of forensic science, the interdisciplinary nature of the field, and new technological advances. The principles of forensic science, the application of the scientific method, and the role of evidence-based inquiry in making crime investigations more reliable and objective are discussed. It also emphasizes the evolution of investigative methods over the years from traditional investigative methods to current forensic science methods and the use of standardized quality assurance procedures. The review also explores the interplay of forensic science and criminology, psychology, behavioral profiling, and data science, highlighting the ways that interdisciplinary strategies enhance the accuracy of investigations and judicial assessment. In addition, new advancements like artificial intelligence, machine learning, extended reality, blockchain, biometrics, and predictive analytics are explored as they can transform the field of crime scene investigation and evidence analysis. While these technologies offer some ethical, privacy, and legal issues, they are still improving the effectiveness, transparency, and credibility of modern criminal justice systems. The review underscores the scientific progress of criminal investigation and underscores the need for innovation to be coupled with evidence-based practices to enhance the justice system.