Forensic Science Key Historical Examples

UNIT1 Introduction to Forensic Science Forensic science is the application of scientific knowledge to legal problems and criminal investigations. While forensic science might seem like a modern development, its roots extend deep into history. Evidence, whether biological, chemical, or physical, becomes a crucial tool for investigators and is often the deciding factor in court trials. Forensic science uses various reliable, sensitive, and accurate techniques to analyze this evidence, such as DNA analysis, fingerprinting, ballistics, and toxicology. These techniques help investigators solve cases where human observation might be insufficient or unreliable. Key Historical Examples:  Marie Lafarge (1840): Convicted of murdering her husband using arsenic, this case was one of the first where forensic toxicology was applied to determine the cause of death.  Francisca Rojas (1892): This was the first murder case solved using fingerprint evidence. It marked the beginning of the use of fingerprinting in criminal investigations.  Tandoor Murder Case (1995): The victim, Naina Sahni, was identified through DNA analysis, showcasing the critical role of forensic science in modern investigations. Definition: Forensic science is a multidisciplinary field that applies various branches of science, such as physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering, to matters of law and criminal investigation. It provides answers to questions like:  How did the blood get to a specific location?  Is the blood toxic, and to whom does it belong? By using science in the service of justice, forensic science helps reconstruct crimes, identify perpetrators, and ensure fair trials. History and Development of Forensic Science The development of forensic science has been shaped by contributions from various scientists and historical milestones. It can be divided into two parts: contributions from other countries and contributions from India. Each period has witnessed the introduction of critical forensic techniques that have transformed the field into the modern scientific discipline it is today. A. Contributions from Other Countries The evolution of forensic science owes much to the early work of scientists and legal scholars worldwide. Here are some key figures and their contributions: 1. Mathieu Orfila (1814): o Known as the father of forensic toxicology. o Published the first scientific treatise on the detection of poisons and their effects on animals. o His work laid the foundation for toxicology as a scientific discipline in criminal investigations. 2. Alphonse Bertillon (1879): o Developed the first scientific system for personal identification, known as Anthropometry. o This system measured and recorded the dimensions of the human body and was used until fingerprinting replaced it. 3. Francis Galton (1892): o Conducted the first scientific study of fingerprints and developed a classification system for them. o His work proved that fingerprints are unique and consistent throughout life, making them a reliable form of personal identification. 4. Hans Gross (1893): o Published "Criminal Investigation," the first textbook on the application of scientific principles to criminal investigation. o His work is considered a foundation for modern criminalistics. 5. Dr. Leone Lattes (1915): o Developed a simple procedure to determine the blood group from dried bloodstains, revolutionizing blood analysis in criminal cases. o This method was applied to numerous criminal investigations and remains a cornerstone of forensic serology. 6. Calvin Goddard (1925): o Pioneered the use of the comparison microscope in ballistics. o His work enabled investigators to link bullets and cartridge cases to specific firearms. 7. Albert S. Osborn (1910): o Authored the book "Questioned Documents", which established fundamental principles for the examination of documents in legal contexts. o His work formed the basis for forensic document examination, including handwriting analysis. 8. Edmond Locard (1910): o Known for Locard’s Exchange Principle, which states, "Every contact leaves a trace." o This principle became a cornerstone of forensic investigation, emphasizing that criminals inevitably leave physical traces at crime scenes. B. History and Development of Forensic Science in India Forensic science in India has a long and rich history, with its roots dating back to the colonial period. The country has made significant contributions to the development of forensic science, both before and after independence. Pre-Independence Milestones: 1. 1853: o The first Chemical Examiner's Laboratory was established in Kolkata. o It was primarily used to analyze chemical substances, especially in poisoning cases. 2. 1897: o The world's first Fingerprint Bureau was established in Calcutta. o This pioneering step by India became a global model for fingerprint identification. 3. 1864: o A Chemical Laboratory was set up in Agra, expanding the forensic infrastructure in the country. 4. 1870: o A Chemical Laboratory was established in Mumbai, further enhancing forensic capabilities in Western India. 5. 1948: o The first Chemical Laboratory in Madras (now Chennai) was established, continuing the development of forensic services. 6. 1892: o Anthropometric Bureau established in Kolkata, focusing on physical measurements of criminals to aid in their identification, based on Bertillon’s anthropometry system. Post-Independence Milestones: 1. 1952: o India’s first Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) was established in Calcutta (now Kolkata), paving the way for modern forensic investigations. 2. 1955: o The Central Fingerprint Bureau was set up in India to maintain and analyze fingerprint records, centralizing this crucial forensic practice.