Book Title: Modern Forensic Tools and Devices: Trends in Criminal Investigation
Editors: Mr. Ravi Kumar, Ms. Nandini Katare, Don Caeiro, and Dr. Surbhi Girdhar
Chapter: 1
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/658/1
Author: Rajat Kumar
Abstract
Forensic science, a multifaceted subject existing at the intersection of science and criminal justice, plays a pivotal role in investigating crimes and administering justice by applying scientific principles and methods to analyze and interpret evidence. This discipline encompasses a broad spectrum of specialized fields, including chemistry, biology, physics, and computer science, all leveraged to examine diverse forms of evidence such as DNA, ballistics, fingerprints, and digital traces. The evolution of forensic science has transformed criminal investigations, moving from rudimentary observational techniques to sophisticated analytical methods that provide empirical data crucial for convictions and exonerations (Mohsin, 2024). The foundational concept, established by Locard, posits that offenders invariably leave and carry trace evidence, thereby necessitating the development of diverse forensic disciplines dedicated to detecting and interpreting these traces. Contemporary developments in forensic science continue to enhance the accuracy and scope of evidence analysis, integrating advanced technologies to address the inherent challenges of human error and sample contamination.