Abstract

Forensic science plays a pivotal role in modern criminal investigations, helping to unravel complex criminal cases by providing scientific evidence and analysis. This abstract outlines the importance of forensic science in criminal investigations and its admissibility in court proceedings. It explores how forensic evidence is collected, analysed, and presented in a legal context. Forensic science encompasses various disciplines, such as DNA analysis, fingerprint identification, ballistics, toxicology, and more. These techniques provide objective, empirical, and reliable evidence that can establish or disprove facts related to a crime. The integration of technology and innovation in forensic science has significantly enhanced its accuracy and efficiency. The admissibility of forensic evidence in court is subject to certain criteria, primarily the Frye or Daubert standards in the United States. The Frye standard, established in 1923, required that the scientific technique be generally accepted within the relevant scientific community. In contrast, the Daubert standard, introduced in 1993, emphasizes the reliability and relevance of the scientific evidence. Courts assess the qualifications of expert witnesses, the methodology employed, and whether it has been peer-reviewed. Forensic evidence is highly persuasive in court due to its scientific basis. However, it is not without challenges. Issues such as contamination, human error, and subjective interpretation can affect the reliability of forensic results. Therefore, legal professionals, judges, and juries need a deep understanding of the limitations and potential biases within forensic science. This paper highlights the indispensable role of forensic science in criminal investigations, providing a foundation for the prosecution and defence in court. The use of scientific evidence can significantly impact the outcome of trials, ultimately serving the pursuit of justice. However, the admissibility and interpretation of such evidence require a careful balance between scientific rigor and legal principles to ensure fairness and accuracy in the criminal justice system.

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