BRANCHES OF FORENSIC SCIENCE AND ETHICS IN FORENSIC SCIENCE

Forensic professionals should conduct their work without favoring any party involved in a case, such as law enforcement or the prosecution. They must provide impartial analysis and opinions based on the evidence, adhering strictly to the scientific method.

1. BRANCHES OF FORENSIC SCIENCE AND ETHICS IN FORENSIC SCIENCE SRISHTI JAGOTA ASST PROFESSOR JAIN UNIVERSITY

2. FORENSIC BIOLOGY It involves the analysis of biological evidence such as blood, hair, saliva, and other bodily fluids to determine identity, relationships, and other relevant information.

3. 2. Forensic chemistry Focuses on analyzing substances like drugs, poisons, toxins, and chemicals found at crime scenes to determine their composition and properties.

4. 3. Forensic anthropology It involves the identification and examination of human skeletal remains to determine age, sex, ancestry, and other characteristics to aid in identifying individuals.

5. 4. Forensic odontology Uses dental records and bite mark analysis to identify human remains and analyze bite marks found at crime scenes.

6. 5. Forensic pathology Concerned with determining the cause and manner of death by performing autopsies and examining deceased bodies to understand injuries, disease, or trauma.

7. 6. Forensic entomology Utilizes the study of insect life cycles and colonization patterns to estimate the time of death and other aspects of a crime scene.

8. 7. Forensic psychology Focuses on understanding the mental state and behaviors of individuals involved in criminal activities, evaluating their competency to stand trial, and providing insights into their motives and actions.

9. 8. Digital and cyber forensic Involves the investigation of digital devices and electronic data to recover and analyze information related to cybercrime, hacking, and digital evidence.

10. 9. Forensic document examination Involves analyzing handwriting, signatures, printing, and other characteristics of documents to determine authenticity and detect forgery or alteration

11. 10. Forensic toxicology Deals with analyzing bodily fluids and tissues to determine the presence and concentration of drugs, alcohol, or other toxic substances that may have contributed to a crime or death

12. 11. Forensic physics

13. 12. Forensic linguistic Analyzes language and linguistic patterns to help identify criminals, decipher threatening messages, and provide language-related evidence in legal cases.

14. ETHICS IN FORENSIC SCIENCE Ethics in forensic science are foundational principles and guidelines that govern the conduct and behavior of professionals within the field. Adhering to ethical standards is crucial to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and fairness of forensic investigations and the criminal justice system.

15. INTEGRITY AND OBJECTIVITY Forensic scientists must maintain integrity by being honest, truthful, and unbiased in their analyses and reporting. They should not manipulate data, distort results, or present biased interpretations to favor a particular party or outcome.

16. IMPARTIALITY AND NEUTRALITY Forensic professionals should conduct their work without favoring any party involved in a case, such as law enforcement or the prosecution. They must provide impartial analysis and opinions based on the evidence, adhering strictly to the scientific method.

17. CONFIDENTIALITY Forensic experts must respect the privacy and confidentiality of all case-related information, including sensitive data and personal details of individuals involved. Disclosure of such information without authorization is unethical.

18. COMPETENCE AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Forensic scientists should maintain a high level of competence by staying informed about advances in their field, pursuing ongoing education, training, and professional development. Continuous improvement ensures their expertise and accuracy in analyses.

19. QUALITY ASSURANCE Forensic laboratories should establish and follow stringent quality assurance procedures to guarantee the reliability and accuracy of the work. This includes appropriate validation, calibration, and controls to maintain high standards.

20. CONFLICT OF INTEREST Forensic professionals must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may compromise their objectivity, independence, or professional judgment. They should refrain from working on cases where such conflicts are significant

21. INFORMED CONSENT AND RESPECT FOR INDIVIDUALS Forensic practitioners should obtain informed consent from individuals for the collection of samples or participation in research. Additionally, they must treat all individuals with respect and consideration for their rights, beliefs, and dignity.

22. TRANSPARENCY AND HONESTY IN REPORTING Forensic scientists should transparently report their methodologies, findings, limitations, and uncertainties associated with the evidence. Honesty in reporting is essential for building trust and credibility within the legal system and the public.

23. RESPONSIBILITY TO SOCIETY AND ENVIRONMENT Forensic professionals should consider the social and environmental impact of their work and conduct their activities responsibly, ethically, and in a manner that benefits society and minimizes harm to the environment.

24. ADHERENCE TO LAW AND REGULATIONS Forensic scientists should comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and professional guidelines governing their practice. Violation of legal and regulatory requirements is unacceptable.

25. PROFESSIONALISM AND COLLABORATION Forensic experts should exhibit professionalism in their interactions with colleagues, law enforcement, legal professionals, and the public. Collaboration and communication within the forensic community foster trust and enhance the quality of forensic science.