CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION TO
FORENSIC SCIENCE
INTRODUCTION
Forensic science is a combination of natural, physical, and social
sciences for reconstructing the details of events with the help of the
tools of science and the logic of scientific inquiry.
TERMINOLOGIES
➢Clinical Forensic Medicine
It is concerned with provision of clinical services like diagnosis and
treatment of the injured living patient and medicolegal aspects of patient
care. This is mainly the usage of medical evidence for judiciary purposes.
➢Pathological Forensic Medicine or Forensic Pathology
It deals with the examination of trauma or unexplained deaths to identify the
clinical cause of death and the circumstances under which it has occurred.
➢Medical Jurisprudence
The branch of science that applies principles and concepts of law to medical
practice or concepts of medical science to legal problems.
➢Forensic Evidence
Any physical, biological, or digital material that can be used to establish
facts in a legal investigation or court case. This can include DNA,
fingerprints, clothing, weapons, and more.
➢Chain of Custody
The documented and controlled process of handling, storing, and transferring
physical evidence to maintain its integrity and admissibility
in court.
HISTORY OF FORENSIC SCIENCE
Introduction
The history of forensic science is a fascinating journey that spans centuries
and has evolved through various civilizations and scientific advancements.
Here is an overview of key developments in the history of forensic science:
➢Ancient Civilizations
In ancient China, for example, fingerprints were used as signatures on clay
tablets. In ancient Rome, medical examiners were employed to determine the
cause of death in suspicious cases.
➢Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, in Europe, a rudimentary form of forensic science
emerged. Coroners were appointed to investigate sudden or unexplained deaths.
These officials often lacked medical training, leading to limited scientific
analysis.
➢Renaissance and Enlightenment
In the 16th and 17th centuries, the work of individuals like Ambroise Paré
and Mathieu Orfila laid the foundation for modern forensic toxicology. Paré’s
studies on wound healing and Orfila’s research on poisons contributed to the
understanding of forensic medicine.
➢19th Century
The 19th century saw significant advancements in forensic science. In 1823, a
case involving the identification of a murder victim through dental records
marked one of the earliest uses of forensic odontology. The use of microscopy to
analyze hair and fibers also gained prominence.
➢Late 19th to Early 20th Century
The development of fingerprint identification became a breakthrough in forensic
science.
➢20th Century
The 20th century witnessed rapid advancements in forensic science.
➢Late 20th to 21st Century
The integration of computer technology into forensic analysis led to the
field of digital forensics, allowing experts to recover, analyze, and
preserve digital evidence from electronic devices.
➢Recent Developments
In recent years, advancements in DNA analysis have revolutionized
forensic science. Techniques such as DNA profiling and DNA databases
have become invaluable tools for identifying suspects and victims.
Additionally, interdisciplinary collaborations between forensic experts,
law enforcement, and legal professionals have become more common,
enhancing the overall effectiveness of forensic investigations.
SCOPE OF FORENSIC MEDICINE
The field of forensic science is very broad and diversified It is now
considered as an essential working horse for delivering justice.
Forensic medicine includes:
❑Observation of facts
• Accumulation and preservation of evidence
• Analysis of mode and motive of crime
• Reconstruction of inferences on the basis of clinical examination
❑Forensic medicine aids in solving crime against human.
• In current days most of the violence on the human body seek medical
• expert’s view to ensure justice in the court of law.
• The primary objective is to involve medical science to answer the
questions of the law.
NEED FOR FORENSIC MEDICINE
PRINCIPLES OF FORENSIC SCIENCE
FORENSIC SCIENCE LABORATORY
Function of FSL
Producing the evidence in
legally admissible form.
Examination and analysis
of trace evidence.
Interpretation of the result.
Assisting in recognition,
collection and preservation
of evidence material from
the crime scene.
MAJOR DIVISIONS OF FSL
❑Document analysis division
❑Chemistry division
❑Biology division
❑Physics/physical science division
❑Toxicology division
❑Ballistic division
❑Serology division
❑Narcotics division
❑Polygraph division etc.
SERVICES OF FORENSIC SCIENCE LABORATORY
❖Document Analysis Division
❖Chemistry Division
❖Biology Division
❖Physics Division
❖Toxicology Division
❖Ballistic Division
❖Serology Division
❖Polygraph Division
❖Narco Analysis
❖State-of-the-Art Equipment
❖Regenerate
❖Cold Case Reviews
❖Interdisciplinary Collaboration
❖Training and Education
