1. What is forensic science?

The authors have clarified perspectives for further development of criminalistics in Ukraine under the influence of integration processes of this science from Forensic Science. The genesis of the national model of criminalistics has been briefly studied; a comparative analysis of its content with Forensic Science has been accomplished; and the ways of further development of the system of criminalistics and related sciences in Ukraine have been defined considering the global tendencies of convergence of different models of this field of scientific knowledge. It has been emphasized that the use of the terms of “Criminalistics”, “Forensic Sciences” and “Criminal Investigation” is explained not just by the specifics of terminology in different countries, but primarily due to differences in defining the nature and internal content of these disciplines. According to the authors, the integration of tactical and technical criminalistics tools and methods of combating crime is quite acceptable and not only significantly enriches the arsenal of criminalistics, but determines its existence as an independent science. Such an approach allows us to consider criminalistics not just as one of the many sections of Forensic Sciences, but to single out it as one of the most comprehensive sciences that integrates all other forensic disciplines. The domestic model of criminalistics, in contrast to Forensic Science, represents the issues of a legal nature (criminalistics tactics and methodology), which makes it a science of dual (synthetic) nature. The integration processes observed in the development of criminalistics and Forensic Science are gradually leading to the convergence of these sciences in content. Given this, it is impractical to take further steps to disintegrate criminalistics in Ukraine by separating forensic expertise into a separate science. Otherwise, there will be a complete depletion of the natural and technical component of criminalistics, which may result in the disappearance of this science in general.

This study presents a systematic review of studies related to murder and criminal investigation, policing, and implications for forensic science application in Nigeria. A literature search was done in the English language, using primary and secondary keywords; such as murder investigation, forensic science, policing, criminal investigation, standard operating procedures guiding murder investigation, and application of forensic science in Nigeria. Four academic databases selected for the study were: SAGE Online, Wiley Online Library, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria earmarked for the study, 16 selected online published materials published between 2012 and 2022 met the predetermined criteria. These articles are either surveys, reviews, case studies, expert opinion materials, or theoretical articles. Central to the findings of these articles is that the application of forensic science in murder investigations in Nigeria is still suboptimal, accounting for lots of cold and unresolved murder cases across the country. In addition, there are other issues such as inadequate legislation governing forensic science application in Nigeria, lack of forensic skills and poor capacity development of Nigerian police, and non-adherence to forensic validated procedures during murder investigations. Gaps identified from these studies suggest a need for research focusing on the importance of suspect forensic profiling, a criminal investigative tool that can aid in narrowing down the suspect pool which has become a perennial problem in Nigeria's justice system as evidenced by the rising number of murder suspects across the country’s penitentiaries. This would make murder investigation more effective and efficient for criminal justice experts.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0788/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

This text provides an examination of the aetiological development of forensic criminology in the UK. It links the subjects of scientific criminology, criminal investigations, crime scene investigation, forensic science and the legal system and it provides an introduction to the important processes that take place between the crime scene and the courtroom. These processes help identify, define and label the 'criminal' and are crucial for understanding any form of crime within society. The book includes sections on: • the epistemological and ontological philosophies of the natural sciences; • the birth of scientific criminology and its search for the criminal 'body'; • the development of early forms of forensic science and crime scene investigation; • investigating crime; • information, material and evidence; • crime analysis and crime mapping; • scientific support and crime scene examination; and • forensic science and detection methods and forensics in the courtroom. The text combines coverage of historical research and contemporary criminal justice processes and provides an introduction to the most common forensic practices, procedures and uses that enable the identification and successful prosecution of criminals. Forensic Criminology is essential for students of criminology, criminal justice, criminal investigations and crime science. It is also useful to those criminal justice practitioners wishing to gain a more in-depth understanding of the links between criminology, criminal investigations and forensics techniques.

Forensic science has become an indispensable tool in modern criminal investigations and the administration of justice. In the Indian legal framework, forensic evidence plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between law enforcement agencies and the judiciary, offering scientific validation in the pursuit of truth. This paper explores the historical evolution, legal provisions, and operational dynamics of forensic science in India, shedding light on its significance in criminal investigations and trials. The study begins with an overview of forensic science and its integration into the Indian justice delivery system. It examines key milestones in the development of forensic practices in India and landmark cases that have underscored their importance in judicial decision-making. The paper further analyzes the legal framework governing forensic evidence, focusing on provisions within the Indian Evidence Act and the Code of Criminal Procedure, alongside judicial interpretations that have shaped its admissibility and reliability. Additionally, the study investigates the role of investigative agencies, including the responsibilities of police and forensic experts, and highlights the challenges faced in the coordination between law enforcement and forensic laboratories. A critical evaluation of technical, infrastructural, and human resource challenges reveals significant gaps hindering the effective utilization of forensic science in criminal justice. The paper concludes by identifying opportunities for reform, advocating for enhanced training, upgraded infrastructure, and robust legal provisions to strengthen the forensic science ecosystem in India. Through this analysis, the study aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers, legal practitioners, and forensic experts to address existing challenges and optimize the potential of forensic science in ensuring justice and accountability within the Indian legal system.

Forensic chemistry distinguishes itself from other branches of chemical sciences by the necessity to cater to the requirements of both the scientific and legal communities. Its research, application, and presentation are uniquely geared towards meeting the needs of these two domains. Consequently, forensic chemistry research is inherently practical and derived, emphasizing metrology (the science of measurement) and validation. Forensic chemistry has evolved beyond its initial analytical origins and now encompasses a broader range of chemical sciences. As the field expands, established forensic practices are being reevaluated, extending beyond drug analysis and toxicology to encompass diverse areas such as combustion chemistry, materials science, and pattern evidence. Chemistry has been used more and more to help with criminal investigations and forensic chemistry has become an important topic of study for students at all levels of education. The excitement of carrying out chemical tests is increased with the chance to explore a criminal incident. Both educators and students are consistently intrigued by the prominence of chemistry in crime scene investigations depicted in television shows. Fingerprint analysis, a key component of forensic science, has been adapted for every educational level. From elementary school students creating fingerprints with ink to the exciting (and messy) activity of revealing latent fingerprints through dusting, educators have found engaging ways to incorporate forensic science lessons. Superglue, readily available commercially, allows anyone interested to show its capabilities for detecting latent prints. Forensic science or forensic chemistry courses in high school and postsecondary education often include experiments involving the revelation of latent fingerprints. Latent fingerprints are formed when a person touches a surface, leaving behind a nearly transparent chemical residue that mirrors their unique skin ridge patterns. Latent fingerprints are likely to be left on surfaces every time you contact or grab them. To improve the contrast between the fingerprint residue and the surface it has been applied on, many methods have been established. Abundant and resilient, latent prints are unintentionally left behind on the surfaces you touch daily. Specialized techniques can reveal many of these latent prints, highlighting their potential significance in forensic investigations.

Forensic science is integral to enhancing the accuracy, efficiency, and credibility of criminal investigations and legal proceedings. In Bangladesh, where the criminal justice system grapples with issues such as delayed trials, limited resources, and an overwhelming backlog of cases, the application of forensic science presents a critical opportunity for reform. This study explores the current role and potential of forensic science in Bangladesh’s criminal justice system, highlighting key forensic disciplines such as DNA analysis, fingerprinting, digital forensics, and toxicology. Through a comprehensive review of these disciplines, the research underscores their contribution to more reliable investigations, fairer trials, and enhanced public confidence in the justice system. Additionally, the study identifies several challenges hindering the effective implementation of forensic science, including inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of trained personnel, and low public awareness. Drawing on a combination of literature review, case studies, stakeholder interviews, and public surveys, the research evaluates the effectiveness of forensic science in law enforcement and judicial processes. The study proposes a series of recommendations to address these challenges, focusing on modernizing forensic capabilities, capacity-building, and fostering greater collaboration among forensic experts, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary. Ultimately, the study aims to strengthen the role of forensic science in ensuring justice, by improving criminal investigation processes and reinforcing public trust in Bangladesh’s legal system.

Forensic science has been used for justice delivery system since ages. However it started gaining groundin early fifties as an independent discipline and since then it has derived applications from every field ofscience and technology. Today it is well settled and much sought after and ever growing technology forensicsand forensic investigations are fast changing their face as every other day new types of crimes are beingcommitted. To cope up with the demanding nature of this profession, forensic services need up-gradation atevery stage. This paper focuses on the applicability of Forensic science in criminal investigation and the roleit plays in keeping law and order in a society, also throws light on how forensic science is acting as a bridgebetween the medical scientists and legal scientists.

The integration of digital evidence, psychological profiling, forensic science, and sophisticated analytical methods in criminal investigations and judicial proceedings is examined in this study. The significance of artificial intelligence and data analytics in case evaluation is also discussed, as is the function of forensic methods, such as DNA analysis, fingerprint identification, ballistics, and others, in establishing factual evidence. To maintain law and order in our society, this study will examine how scientific and contemporary technologies are used in criminal investigations. The issues with investigations, modern sciences, and the fundamentals of forensics in India are also covered.

Technology's incorporation into criminal investigations has transformed the approaches taken by law enforcement organizations and greatly increased their ability to solve crimes. By following their development and analysing how they are used in modern practice, this paper investigates the significant influence that developments in digital technology and forensic science have on criminal investigations. The use of surveillance technologies, digital forensics, and DNA analysis are important topics of discussion because they have all revolutionized the gathering and evaluation of evidence. This paper also discusses the difficulties and constraints brought about by these technological developments, including dependability problems, privacy ethics, and the possibility of digital injustices

Forensic entomology is the study of insects/arthropods in criminal investigation. Right from the early stages insects are attracted to the decomposing body and may lay eggs in it. By studying the insect population and the developing larval stages, forensic scientists can estimate the postmortem index, any change in position of the corpse as well as the cause of death. Forensic odontologists are called upon more frequently to collaborate in criminal investigations and hence should be aware of the possibilities that forensic entomology have to offer and use it as an adjunct to the conventional means of forensic investigation.

Ecogenomics is the application of genetic information and environmental science to understand the genetic diversity and functional potential of microbial communities in various environments. It involves the analysis of DNA and RNA sequences to gain insights into the structure, function, and dynamics of ecosystems. In the context of the environment, ecogenomics plays a crucial role in understanding the impact of human activities on natural ecosystems. By studying the genetic composition of microbial communities, researchers can assess the health and resilience of ecosystems, identify key species involved in nutrient cycling and energy flow, and monitor the effects of pollution and climate change. Ecogenomics also has significant applications in forensic research. By analyzing the microbial DNA present at crime scenes, forensic scientists can gain valuable information about the individuals involved. Microbes are ubiquitous and can be transferred from person to person, leaving behind a unique microbial signature that can be used for identification purposes. This approach, known as microbial forensics, can complement traditional forensic techniques and provide additional evidence in criminal investigations. By harnessing the power of genomics, researchers can uncover hidden microbial diversity, track ecosystem changes, and provide valuable insights into criminal investigations.

In many applications of forensic image analysis, state-of-the-art results are nowadays achieved with machine learning methods. However, concerns about their reliability and opacity raise the question whether such methods can be used in criminal investigations. So far, this question of legal compliance has hardly been discussed, also because legal regulations for machine learning methods were not defined explicitly. To this end, the European Commission recently proposed the artificial intelligence (AI) act, a regulatory framework for the trustworthy use of AI. Under the draft AI act, high-risk AI systems for use in law enforcement are permitted but subject to compliance with mandatory requirements. In this paper, we review why the use of machine learning in forensic image analysis is classified as high-risk. We then summarize the mandatory requirements for high-risk AI systems and discuss these requirements in light of two forensic applications, license plate recognition and deep fake detection. The goal of this paper is to raise awareness of the upcoming legal requirements and to point out avenues for future research.

Self-control as a personality measure

Relevance . The article considers current problems of a criminal procedural and forensic nature common for search and cognitive activities when dealong with older people with cognitive impairment. Successful developments in the field of medicine, an overall increase in the standard of living of the population, and the quality of social security have extended life span expectancy and, accordingly, led to the increase of the total number of older people. People from this category are increasingly involved in the orbit of criminal proceedings as witnesses and victims, and often as defendants (suspects). It should be understood and taken into account that, due to various diseases, changes in the mental state, social status of these persons and other reasons, obtaining verbal criminally relevant information from such participants in the criminal proceedings demonstrate certain specifics. However, at the moment, there are no forensic developments aimed at optimizing investigative actions involving older people. Relevant scientific research on this issue has not been conducted either in Russia or abroad. The aim of the work is the need to ensure the full realization of the rights and legitimate interests of participants in criminal proceedings from among the elderly by developing and introducing forensic techniques into law enforcement in criminal investigations, which necessitates the initial definition of the problem and disclosing its essence. The materials for the study are scientific works of specialists in the field of psychology, gerontology, neurophysiology, forensic science, and statistical data, as well as the authors vast experience in the preliminary investigation of criminal cases as an investigator. The results and conclusions were obtained with the help of general scientific research methods: logical, systemic, sociological, as well as private-scientific and special: comparative-legal, formal-legal, interpretation, statistical, etc. Results: several conclusions have been made to strengthen the necessary to improve the regulatory framework governing participation of older people in criminal proceedings to ensure their legal rights and freedoms. Recommendations on preparation and conduct of investigative actions with participation of such categories of persons have been proposed.

Producing evidence that can be used in court is a central goal of criminal investigations. Forensic science focuses with considerable success on the production of pieces of evidence from specific sources. However, less is known about how a team of investigating police officers progressively produces a body of evidence during the course of a criminal investigation. This literature review uses Weickian sensemaking to analyse what is known about this process in criminal investigations into organised crime. Focusing on the criminal investigation team, collective sensemaking is used as a lens through which to place the reasoning processes used in constructing evidence in a social context. In addition to describing three constituent parts of collective sensemaking relevant for criminal investigations, six factors are identified that influence the quality of collective sensemaking. Building on these results, nine focal points are presented for analysing the sensemaking processes in a criminal investigation team, aimed at advancing knowledge about the production of evidence in criminal investigations of organised crime. Furthermore, a definition of evidence is developed that is suitable for studying sensemaking in the context of an ongoing criminal investigation.