Law of Forensic Science

Unit 1 — Introduction to Forensic Science:

1. Meaning, Nature, Scope & Development of Forensic Science · 2. Jurisprudential Approach, Modus Operandi, Corpus Delicti, Criminal Profiling. · 3. Constitutional Perspective, Right to Privacy and Right against Self Incrimination · 4. Criminal Justice System, Role of Police Officers, Prosecution and Judicial Officers, Role of Forensic Scientists, Medico-legal Doctors, Expert Testimony

• Introduction and branches of forensic science
• Expert Witness and Admissibility of expert's opinion in the courts

Unit 2 — Crime Scene Management, Collection of Evidence and Crime Scene Investigation:

1. Scene of crime, Process & Planning of Investigation, Documentation, Recognition & Recovery of Physical Evidence, Collection, Packaging, Labelling and Forwarding of Exhibits to Forensic Laboratories. · 2. Forensic Evidence - Physical, Chemical, Biological & Digital, Preservation of the Scene and its Evidence, Methods of preservation · 3. Role of Forensic Science Laboratories · 4. Forensic Report, Format, Court Testimony, Pre-Court preparation

• Forensic evidence and types of forensic evidences
• Application of forensic evidence in civil and criminal cases

Unit 3 — Forensic Science & Law of Evidence:

1. Inquest-by Police and Magistrate, Summons, Record of evidence, Medical evidences - certificates, reports, dying declaration, etc., Witnesses - common, experts, conduct and duties of doctors · 2. Evidentiary Value, Admissibility of Forensic Evidence in Court, Forensic Experts and Relevancy of their opinion, Admissibility of Expert Testimony in Court, Frye standard and daubert standard · 3. Judicial Trends · 4. Forensic Science & Offenses Related to Document - Questioned Documents, Proof of Signature, Handwriting Analysis.

• Statements by persons who cannot be called as witness
• Relevance and use of forensic evidence under Indian Evidence Act, 1872
• Relevancy of opinions of third parties
• Expert Witness and Admissibility of expert's opinion in the courts

Unit 4 — Forensic Psychology and Forensic Science:

1. Concept of Forensic Psychology · 2. Brain Fingerprinting - Meaning, Scientific Principles, Use in Criminal Investigation, Supreme Court and NHRC Guidelines, Evidentiary Value. · 3. Narco Analysis - Meaning, Scientific Theory, Precautions before conducting the tests, Rights of the accused person, Presence of Experts, Use in Criminal Investigation, Supreme Court and NHRC Guidelines, Evidentiary Value. · 4. Polygraph Test - Meaning, Scientific Principles, Applicability & Utility in Criminal Investigation, Legal – Constitutional - Judicial Status, Evidentiary Value.

Unit 5 — Scientific Investigation Techniques:

1. DNA Fingerprinting · 2. Fingerprint Forensics · 3. Chemical & Toxicology Analysis · 4. Autopsy & Sexual Offenses

Unit 6 — Recent Advances in Forensic Science and the Laws:

1. Ballistics · 2. Explosives · 3. Digital Forensics · 4. Use of Artificial Intelligence

• Proof of electronic evidences