Forensic Science and its Limitations in Rape and Murder Cases in India

Forensic science plays a significant role in crime scene analysis and other evidence collection(such as clothes,cigarette butts,blood,semen,hair,etc.,)to scientifically establish the accused’s guilt.In rape and murder cases,DNA tests confirm the victim’s identity.It provides certain evidence that is helpful in the speedy investigation and conclusion of a trial.However,it is not a foolproof science and it has certain limitations.Hence,the first responders,such as the Crime Laboratory Ultimate Evidence System team and the forensic experts,must keep these limitations in mind during sample collection and examination,otherwise,it may lead to incorrect results.Such incorrect results may be obtained due to insufficient sample quantity,improper collection methods,or delay in an examination.It is highly recommended to implement standard operating procedure guidelines,failing which the admissibility of such forensic evidence to prove beyond all reasonable doubts is at stake.Accordingly,the court shall acquit the accused giving him the benefit of doubt.This article focuses on the applicability and limitations of forensic science in the Indian Criminal Justice System and the need to adopt due protocols to yield viable results.

Predatory journals and meetings in forensic sciences:what every expert needs to know about this“parasitic”publishing model

The emergence of the internet has transformed all areas of society.This includes the universe of scientific publications,with several publishers now exclusively focusing on the electronic format and open access model while expanding to a megajournal scope.in this context,the pandemic of predatory open access journals(POAJs)and meetings are of grave concern to the academic and research community.This new shift within academia produces a variety of new victims;namely,the authors themselves.in turn,scientific knowledge is often discredited,with the public placing less trust in science.Now more than ever,performing research with integrity and selecting a journal in which to publish requires close attention and expertise.The“predatory movement”has developed increasingly sophisticated techniques for misleading people into believing what seem to be credible professional layouts and legitimate invitations.initiatives such as the Jeffrey Beall’s list,the Cabell’s Scholarly Analytics and Think.Check.Submit offer some guidance to uncover the“parasitic”intervention of predatory journals and meetings,but specific education in this field is sorely needed.This work aims to review the main characteristics of predatory journals and meetings and to analyze this topic in the context of forensic and legal medicine research.

A Retrospective Study to Evaluate the Morphometry of the Foramen Magnum and Its Role in Forensic Science in a Nigerian Population of Delta State

Background:Sexual dimorphism of the foramen magnum has increased its interest in forensic science.Gender determination is an important preliminary step in the identification of unknown skeletal remains.This study aimed at determining the dimensions of the foramen magnum in Delta State Nigeria and their role in gender discrimination.Materials and Methods:We retrospectively analyzed computed tomographic images of336 patients(199 males and 137 females)aged>18 years,archived in the Radiology Department of a Teaching Hospital in Nigeria.Ethical approval was granted by the hospitaFs ethical board.The length,width,and area of the foramen magnum were measured and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 23.We used an independent Mest and analysis of variance to evaluate the association of these dimensions with sex and age,respectively.The percentage accuracy of sex discrimination and the association between variables were assessed using discriminant functional analysis and Pearson's correlation test correspondingly.The results were considered significant at P<0.05.Results:The foramen magnum length,width,and area showed a statistically significant gender difference(P<0.05).The width was the best sex discriminating variable(64.3%)and the overall accuracy of correct sex allocation using all the variables was 75%.All the parameters measured showed a significant strong positive correlation with each other(0.5<r<1,P<0.05).Conclusion:The foramen magnum length width and area were sexually dimorphic.Their high overall accuracy(75%)in gender discrimination implies that they may collectively be utilized in the sex estimation of unknown skulls in Delta State Nigeria.

The Role of the Subjectivist Position in the Probabilization of Forensic Science

This paper is concerned with the contribution of forensic science to the legal process by helping reduce uncertainty.Although it is now widely accepted that uncertainty should be handled by probability because it is a safeguard against incoherent proceedings,there remain diverging and conflicting views on how probability ought to be interpreted.This is exemplified by the proposals in scientific literature that call for procedures of probability computation that are referred to as"objective,"suggesting that scientists ought to use them in their reporting to recipients of expert information.I find such proposals objectionable.They need to be viewed cautiously,essentially because ensuing probabilistic statements can be perceived as making forensic science prescriptive.A motivating example from the context of forensic DNA analysis will be chosen to illustrate this.As a main point,it shall be argued that such constraining suggestions can be avoided by interpreting probability as a measure of personal belief,that is,subjective probability.Invoking references to foundational literature from mathematical statistics and philosophy of science,the discussion will explore the consequences of this interdisciplinary viewpoint for the practice of forensic expert reporting.It will be emphasized that-as an operational interpretation of probability_the subjectivist perspective enables forensic science to add value to the legal process,in particular by avoiding inferential impasses to which other interpretations of probability may lead.Moreover,understanding probability from a subjective perspective can encourage participants in the legal process to take on more responsibility in matters regarding the coherent handling of uncertainty.This would assure more balanced interactions at the interface between science and the law.This,in turn,provides support for ongoing developments that can be called the"probabilization"of forensic science.

Evaluation of a model for providing cost effective,accessible continuing education to the forensic science community

This study presents a detailed model and its subsequent assessment for the development and optimized delivery of continuing education for the forensic science community.Online continuing education is on the rise as this modality of content dissemination allows for accessibility,convenience,and affordability.The model,which includes an educational needs assessment,gap analysis,online content delivery and archival,was evaluated through the launch of a global training event/symposium series.The four-year study of over 6000 participants representing>75 countries provides empirical support for the model based upon registration/attendance data and participant self-assessment surveys.Best practices are identified relative to content and format,operational excellence,technology,and financing of the event.Future directions along with opportunities to further enhance the model are also discussed.

Assessing the publication output in the field of forensic science and legal medicine using Web of Science database from 2011 to 2020

The aim of this study was threefold.First,it analyzed the characteristics of the publication outputs for the Legal Medicine(LM)category using the Web of Science(WoS)database during 2011-2020.Second,it discussed the distribution of the papers for the 25 most productive countries/regions in terms of quality and quantity,such as the h-index and GDP per capita.Finally,it investigated the trend and temporal stability of the journal impact factor(JIF)and determined the percentage of the journal self-citations.The findings suggested that the number of papers,the average number of pages of the papers,the average number of cited references in the papers,the average number of authors per paper,the percentage of open access papers,as well as international and domestic collaboration tended to increase regularly.However,the productivity was limited when compared to the whole WoS database,since there was no significant change in the number of the journals.The countries/regions with the highest number of publications were not those that made the most impact in terms of the widespread impact of the publications.The level of international cooperation and the funding for the research had dramatic impact on the visibility of papers.The average JIF has increased significantly while the journal self-citation rates have decreased in a similar way.The journals have had very stable(have not fluctuated)impact factors over time.During the period studied,the journals with the higher impact factors(Q1,Q2)published many more papers than journals with the lower impact factors(Q3,Q4).

Analysis on Applicability Evaluation of Forensic Science Standards in China

Standard applicability is the ability of a standard to be suitable for the prescriptive purpose under specified conditions.There is no mature applicability.evaluation index system of standards worldwide at present.We aim to construct the index system for evaluating the applicability of forensic science standard.The index system of applicability evaluation is proposed using a statistical analysis on the applicability of forensic science standards in China.We summarize the major problems and reasons in developing and revising the national and industry standards in China.Based on these,we put forward measures to improve standards’applicability,provide policy support for rectifying the standards,and lay the theoretical foundation for the construction,adjustment,and optimization of the forensic science standard system.

Development of China's Forensic Science in Statistics:2005-2016

In today's scientific fact-finding,forensic science bears the responsibility of ascertaining authenticity and restoring the truth.With the acceleration of China's internationalization and judicial reforms,forensic science has begun to play a prominent role injudicial trials,where its function and value have received unprecedented attention.In this article,the authors have reviewed 10 years of development in China's forensic science between 2005 and 2016.

New Developments in Quality Control of Forensic Science in China

Forensic science has advanced rapidly in China in recent years,with the number of forensic cases increasing in leaps and bounds.Forensicevidence has become indispensable in judicial trials.With the introduction of anti‑trial strategy in the reforms of the trial‑centered litigationsystem,quality of forensic evidence has become a focus of cross‑examinations.Since 2015,product quality in numerous areas has been improvedby standardization,and thus,China has focused on developing a national standardization strategy.Thus,standardization is also increasingin the field of forensic science.This study examines the growth in both the number and the type of forensic science cases in China over thepast 10 years and also the deep qualitative cross‑examination brought by the rise of the expert assessor policy toward forensic conclusions intrial.We also examine the progress of forensic science standardization in the context of the quality triangle of forensic science,as well as thestructure of standardization in forensic science,basic research on forensic science,and measures designed to strengthen education,training,and communication with the judicial profession.These issues are of vital importance in relation to quality control in forensic science.

LC-MS/MS analysis of 2-aminothiazoline-4-carboxylic acid as a forensic biomarker for cyanide poisoning

AIM: To demonstrate the potential of using 2-aminothiazoline-4-carboxylic acid(ATCA) as a novel biomarker/forensic biomarker for cyanide poisoning. METHODS: A sensitive method was developed and employed for the identification and quantification of ATCA in biological samples, where the sample extraction and clean up were achieved by solid phase extraction(SPE). After optimization of SPE procedures, ATCA was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry. ATCA levels following the administration of different doses of potassium cyanide(KCN) to mice were measured and compared to endogenous ATCA levels in order to study the significance of using ATCA as a biomarker for cyanide poisoning.RESULTS: A custom made analytical method was established for a new(mice) model when animals were exposed to increasing KCN doses. The application of this method provided important new information on ATCA as a potential cyanide biomarker. ATCA concentration in mice plasma samples were increased from 189 ± 28 ng/mL(n = 3) to 413 ± 66 ng/mL(n = 3) following a 10 mg/kg body weight dose of KCN introduced subcutaneously. The sensitivity of this analytical method proved to be a tool for measuring endogenous level of ATCA in mice organs as follows: 1.2 ± 0.1 μg/g for kidney samples, 1.6 ± 0.1 μg/g for brain samples, 1.8 ± 0.2 μg/g for lung samples, 2.9 ± 0.1 μg/g for heart samples, and 3.6 ± 0.9 μg/g for liver samples. CONCLUSION: This finding suggests that ATCA has the potential to serve as a plasma biomarker / forensic biomarker for cyanide poisoning.

A Modified Shannon Trap for Use in Forensic Entomology

The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a modified Shannon trap to capture adult insects that are involved in cadaveric decomposition processes. The Shannon trap proposed here is composed of a thin fabric tent with a top formed by a transparent bottle containing a compartment filled with alcohol gel on which the captured insects are affixed. The trap was effective both for weather resistance and the quantity, quality and diversity of insects caught.

国际司法鉴定标准化研究热点探讨--基于文献计量学方法的分析

In order to study the development of forensic science standardization,this paper,based on the bibliometric method,analyzes the paper database of forensic science standardization.The research shows that the quantity and quality of papers have a stable growth tendency and the hotspot in the field of forensic science is the technical innovation and multidisciplinary research.The standardization construction of forensic science in China is in the forefront of the world in terms of scientific research investment,but there is still a gap in organizational capacity and influence,which is reflected in the lack of international cooperation.China should strengthen the standardization of forensic science and explore new development modes constantly.

Geoforensic Methods for Detecting Clandestine Graves and Buried Forensic Objects in Criminal Investigations - A Review

Geoforensic techniques are being deployed in searches for hidden objects to counteract the shortcomings of conventional blunderbuss methods.Processing of crime scenes during searches for clandestine graves and buried objects is often destructive.Manual excavation and other invasive methods are restricted in many contemporary situations,and the location of a body is essential for forensic investigations.Geoforensics and geophysical surveys are important tools for assisting law enforcement agencies in locating crime scenes,clandestine graves,drugs,artifacts,hazardous waste,and illegal weapons and ammunitions stored underground in preparation for terrorist attacks.Geoscience search techniques such as the geoforensic search strategy are among many models used to help find mass graves,locate missing persons,and verify information acquired from incomplete intelligence.Trace amounts of soils,sediments,and other geological materials can provide geolocations and aid in the development of a primary search area.Forensic geoscience techniques and equipment such as metal detectors,magnetic surveys,electromagnetic conductivity surveys,ground penetrating radar surveys,augering(probing),detector dogs surveys,and gravity and seismic fluctuation monitoring are discussed in this paper.In addition to the location of potential graves and ambush sites,the soil beneath the decomposing cadavers can be used to predict the postmortem interval for the deceased.Soil information and geo-mapping data can provide productive intelligence for military and national security agencies.Antiquities crimes and crimes involving gemstones in which the evidence passes through many hands can be traced back to the place of origin by checking for their geo-morphology.Serious crimes,including murder,genocide,and terrorism,can be prevented by the use of operational and decisive geoforensic techniques.This paper highlights the multidisciplinary information exchange that occurs between forensic burial science,forensic geology,and trace evidence in criminal investigations.The paper also focuses on geoforensic approaches to clandestine grave searching,underwater investigations,forensic engineering fallacies,military intelligence,ambush detection,and weapons mining.

Estimation of Accumulated Degree Day Value of Six Landmarks within the Pupal Stage of Lucilia sericata

The present paper investigates the pupal development times ofLucilia sericata which were studied in the laboratory at six different constant temperatures （20, 22, 24, 26, 28 ℃ each ± ℃）. Lower thresholds （tL） for development were estimated from the linear regression of the developmental rates on each temperature. These data have made it possible to calculate the ADD （Accumulated Degree-Days） necessary for L. sericata to complete the larval stage and to achieve adult emergence. The minimal duration of development from oviposition to adult emergence was found to be inversely related to temperature. Additionally, six landmarks in pupal development are showed and for each of the landmarks the ADD value was calculated for every rearing temperature involved. These data assist in calculating the duration of the pupal stage based on morphological characteristics and would be of great value for future forensic entomological casework.

Analyzing Brazilian Driver’s License Authenticity by Easy Ambient Sonic-Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Fast and unequivocal methods of questioned document analysis are essential in forensic science. Here, a desorption/ionization technique, EASI-MS, was assessed for its ability to investigate questioned driver’s licenses (DL). Two suspects DL, displaying the same personal data in the proper fields (name and ID numbers), but with different individual photos, showing similar impressions on microscopic analysis, and authentic standards documents specimens were used as test cases. Profiles from authentic DL surface were dominated by a set of few minor ions, mainly from the plasticizers bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate and dibutylphthalate. The seized suspect counterfeit DL on points from personal data and photo were, however, dominated by abundant diagnostic ions of m/z 463, 507, 551, 595, 639, 683, which confirmed counterfeiting. Surfynol® and Nonoxynol-9®, which are common constituents of inkjet printing, were detected in the counterfeiting areas by high-accuracy EASI(+)-FT-ICR MS. The EASI-MS technique is shown therefore to offer an attractive tool for forensic investigation of questioned documents.

The influence of the eruption of mandibular third molars on the craniofacial morphology in Han youth of North China

Teeth affect not only oral problems but also facial morphology.In China,there are few reports about the influence of the third molars on the craniofacial morphology of Han youths.Using in vivo imaging software,3D reconstruction of craniofacial CTs were performed on 32 Chinese Han youths without mandibular third molars and 25 Chinese Han youth with full mandibular third molars.The morphology of their mandible and mandibular tissue was measured to identify differences.Among the morphological characteristics of hard tissues,except for∠ANB,people with a full eruption of the mandibular third molars had statistically significantly larger angle indicators than people without the eruption of the third molars.The soft tissue indicators also showed statistically significant discrepancies in terms of morphological facial height,mouth to gnathion distance,lip height,and mouth breadth.The most influential index for mandibular third molars was length of symphysis,followed by the four indicators of soft tissue and mandible length and height.Morphology facial height,mouth to gnathion distance,lip height,and height of symphysis were moderately correlated.The experimental results show that among Han youth in North China,the third molar eruption has a widespread influence on mandibular morphology,especially in angle,length,and height indicators.It also has a certain influence on maxillofacial soft tissue morphology.These results can be applied to future clinical risk assessment of the wisdom teeth and forensic personal identification of the cranial and maxillofacial region.

A Retrospective Analytical Study of Forensic Evidence in Rape and Murder Cases and its Implications on Judicial Outcomes in India

In rape and murder cases,forensic science precisely establishes the link between the accused and either the victim or the crime scene,or both,which aids police investigation and the trial process by providing scientific evidence to corroborate or contradict the accused’s guilt.This study focuses on the importance of forensic evidence in deciding rape cases in India.This study aimed to analyze the correlation between forensic evidence and judicial outcomes in determining the conviction rate.This is a retrospective analytical study of rape and murder cases of the Supreme Court of India(SCI)Judgments from 1992 to 2021 using the library and digital library resources.The data obtained were subjected to Pearson’s correlation test to assess the relationship between forensic evidence and judicial outcomes.The results were considered statistically significant at P<0.05.In 20(5.22%)sensational,heinous rape and murder cases,13(65%)cases had proper handling of the forensic samples,while 7(35%)cases had improper handling of the forensic samples or inconsistent forensic reports were given.Based on the forensic reports and other factors,the SCI affirmed the sentence in 11(55%)cases,commuted imprisonment in 7(35%)cases,and acquitted 2(15%)cases.Further,the statistical analysis shows that forensic evidence and judicial outcomes have a moderately positive correlation with each other(0.2<r<0.5,P<0.05).In rape and murder cases,SCI judgments have a high conviction rate.However,the SCI commuted the sentence based on inconsistent forensic reports and acquitted based on mishandled forensic reports.

The Direction of Slant and Horizontal Stroke as Potential Suggestive Markers for the Determination of Handedness

Background:The task of document examiners is very challenging,as they need to gather all the relevant facts to make an informed decision regarding the questioned document.In the present study,a total of 300 handwriting samples from 100 different writers(involving 50 right-handed and 50 left-handed)were collected at Bundelkhand University,Jhansi.Slant and stroke,as characteristic features of handwriting,were visually examined under a stereomicroscope to ascertain the handedness.Methods:Slants and Strokes as characteristic features were analyzed in a total of 300 handwriting samples collected from 50 left-handed and 50 right-handed writers of age 17–22 years.A reference text comprising three pangram sentences printed on A4 paper and a blue ball point pen was used for sampling.Results:The data collected during the study were analyzed using a statistical method(Chi-square test)and revealed that the left-handed writers(LHWs)had a significantly(P<0.05)different writing style than the right-handed ones.Results indicated that LHWs are more likely to make strokes in the right-to-left direction and slant of letters in the backward direction,while right-handed writers make strokes in the left-to-right direction and slant of letters in the forward direction.Conclusions:The findings of the study showed valuable insight and highlighted the significance of the direction of slant and horizontal stroke as potential indicators for the determination of handedness.

Research progress in the estimation of the postmortem interval by Chinese forensic scholars

The determination of time since death or the postmortem interval(PMI)is one of the most important and frequently asked questions in forensic medicine.Medicolegal scholars and forensic pathologists around the world have studied the estimation of PMI extensively in the past,and many novel methods and advanced technologies have now been applied in the field.For several centuries,Chinese forensic examiners have also worked on the estimation of the PMI,and there are a large number of excellent studies published in Chinese rather than in English,and these are not easily accessible or known internationally.Therefore we have conducted a review of relevant studies published by Chinese forensic scholars in the last few decades.The scope of this review is to provide a concise summary of the current progress in the estimation of PMI by Chinese forensic researchers using molecular biology,spectroscopic technology,entomological methods,energy changes,thanatochemistry and other methods.

Sports-related sudden cardiac death due to myocardial diseases on a population from 1-35 years: a multicentre forensic study in Spain

This is a multicentre forensic study that identifies all sports-related sudden deaths (SRSDs) in young people,due to myocardial diseases (MDs) that occurred in a large area of Spain.The aim of the study is to assess the epidemiology,causes of death,and sport activities associated with these fatalities.This is a retrospective study based on forensic autopsies performed in the provinces of Biscay,Seville,Valencia and in the jurisdiction covered by the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences in Madrid (Spain).The retrospective study encompasses from 2010 to 2017.All sudden cardiac deaths (SCDs) in persons 1-35years old were selected.The total number of SCDs were divided into death occurred during exercise (SRSD) and death during rest,sleep or normal activities (non-SRSD).Each of these two groups was subdivided according to the cause of death into MD (primary cardiomyopathies and myocarditis) and non-MD.Clinic-pathological,toxicological and genetic characteristics of SRSD due to MD were analysed.Over the 8-year study period,we identified 645 cases of SCD in the young: 75 SRSD (11.6%) and 570 non-SRSD (88.4%).MD was diagnosed in 33 (44.0%) of the SRSD and in 112 (19.6%) of the non-SRSD cases.All cases of SRSD due to MD were males (mean age (24.0±7.6) years) practicing recreational sports (85%).SRSDs were more frequent in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) (37%) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) (24%),followed by myocarditis (15%) and idiopathic left ventricular hypertrophy (ILVH) (9%).Only in five cases of SRSD the MD responsible of death (HCM) had been diagnosed in life.Cardiovascular symptoms related to the disease were present in other seven patients (six of them with ACM).Postmortem genetic studies were performed in 15/28 (54%) primary cardiomyopathies with positive results in 12 (80%) cases.The most frequent sports disciplines were football (49%) followed by gymnastics (15%) and running (12%).In Spain,SRSD in young people due to MDs occurs in males who perform a recreational activity.Compared with control group we observed a strong association between MDs and exertion.One in three SRSDs are due to cardiomyopathy,especially ACM,which reinforces the need for preparticipation screening to detect these pathologies in recreational sport athletes.Further studies are warranted to understand the causes and circumstances of sudden death to facilitate the development of preventive strategies.