Sources: “A Closer Look On Forensic Science“ written by Archana Singh

Introduction

Forensic Science is the science that has developed its own Laws and Principles. The Laws and Principles of all the natural sciences are the basis of Forensic Science.

It is a vital field that integrates various scientific principles and laws to uncover the truth behind criminal activities. The discipline relies on fundamental laws and principles from all natural sciences, establishing a systematic approach to solving crimes. By understanding the unique characteristics of evidence and employing rigorous analytical techniques, forensic scientists can draw connections between suspects, victims, and crime scenes.

Every object, natural or man-made, has an individuality that is not duplicated in any other object.

1. Law of Individuality

Anything and everything involved in a crime has individuality. If the same is established, it connects the crime and the criminal.

This principle at first sight appears to be contrary to common beliefs and observations. The grains of sand or common salt, seeds of plants, or twins look exactly alike.

2. Principle of Exchange

Contact exchange traces are the principle of exchange. It was first enunciated by the French scientist Edmond Locard. Commonly known as Edmond Locard’s maxim on Interchange.

According to the principle, when a criminal or his instruments of crime come in contact with the victim or the objects surrounding him, they leave traces. Likewise, the criminal or his instruments pick up traces from the same contact.

3. Law of Progressive Change

“Change is inevitable” This also applies to objects. Different types of objects may take different periods.

The criminal undergoes progressive changes. If he is not apprehended in time, he becomes unrecognizable.

The scene of occurrence undergoes rapid changes. The weather, the vegetable growth, and the living beings make extensive changes in comparatively short periods.

Samples degrade with time, Bodies decompose, tire tracks & bite marks fade, the firearm barrel loosens, metal objects rust, etc.

4. Principle of Comparison

“Only the likes can be compared” is the principle of comparison.

It emphasizes the necessity of providing samples and specimens for comparisons with the questioned items.

A questioned hair can only be compared to another hair sample, and the same applies to tool marks, bite marks, tire marks, etc.

For Example:

A specimen is obtained by writing on the same wall, at the same height, and with the same instrument, and then it is photographed. It can be matched.

Once handwriting was available on a photograph allegedly written on a wall, it was compared with the specimen written on paper. It did not give worthwhile results.

5. Principle of Analysis

The Analysis can be no better than the sample analyzed.

Improper sampling and contamination render the best analysis useless.

The principle emphasizes the necessity of correct sampling and correct packing for the effective use of experts.

6. Law of Probability

All identification, definite or indefinite, is made, consciously or unconsciously, on the basis of probability.

Probability is mainly misunderstood. If we say that, according to probability, a particular fingerprint has come from the given source, but it is not a definite opinion.

Probability is a mathematical concept. It determines the chances of occurrence of a particular event in a specific way.

If “P” represents the probability, “Ns” the number of ways in which the event can successfully occur (with equal facility), and “Nf” the number of ways in which it can fail ( with equal facility), the probability of success is given by the formula: