ROLE OF FORENSICS IN VICTIM IDENTIFICATION

Author – SUSHMITHA.J, Student at PRIST UNIVERSITY-SCHOOL OF LAW

Best Citation– SUSHMITHA.J, ROLE OF FORENSICS IN VICTIM IDENTIFICATION, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CRIMINAL JURISPRUDENCE, 1 (1) of 2023, Pg. 31-38, ISBN – 978-81-960677-6-2.

ABSTRACT

Forensic science explains the identity (who) of the suspect who committed the crime. The evidence clearly indicates the type (what) of the crime committed. The circumstances speak out about the time (when) of the incident. The forensic evidence proves the location of the offence (where/crime scene). The forensic investigation finds out the modus operandi (how) of the offender. Finally, it establishes the motive behind the crime. The forensic investigators reconstruct identity of the offender and the victim. There can be primary, secondary and tertiary crime scenes depending on the incident.

Proper identification of the dead in disasters is an essential component of ensuring closure to surviving family, while also addressing legal issues pertaining to insurance and inheritance claims.

Forensic science is a dynamic field of knowledge and skills which can be highly helpful and useful for criminal investigation. It applies technical skills to detect, identify and prosecute offenders. 

Forensic Odontology is sub-branch of forensic science dealing with dentistry and dentition. This method and approach is used extracting human remains and examining the teeth. The bite marks left on the victim body are matched with the suspect’s teeth record. It is regarded in the literature as one of the most reliable and economical scientific methods for victim identification. Forensic Archeology is the field dealing with buried human and animal remains and artifacts. Forensic anthropology is the medicolegal study of human remains, especially human osteology.

The forensic  has always had a central role in the identification of the dead in every day practice, in accidents, and in disasters involving hundreds or thousands of victims. The technological advances, techniques and laboratories are very significant factors in solving crimes.

The Forensic Science includes within its scope the disciplines like Criminology, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Chemistry, Biology, Entomology, Engineering, Medicine, Physics and Geology as crime-solving sciences.

Keywords: Forensic, Victim, identification, law, Role.