Scientific Methods In Criminal Investigation: A Study In The Context Of Medical Jurisprudence
- IJLLR Journal
- 7 hours ago
- 1 min read
Megha Arora Lal, Vivekanand Institute of Professional Studies
Introduction
Modern-day biologists and scientists are continually seeking innovative ways to improve human life through advancements in technology and rapid progress in genomic research. Many developments once considered futuristic have now become a reality. However, the impact of these technologies differs across societies, influenced by varying social conditions, historical backgrounds, and cultural traditions.
Society today is undergoing sweeping transformation. India, in particular, has evolved from a colonial subject nation into a vibrant democratic republic. Industrialization has expanded at an unprecedented rate, transportation and communication systems have been revolutionized, and the population is increasingly shifting from rural to urban environments. These developments have rendered many of the traditional methods of criminal investigation obsolete. The rise in general technical knowledge has also enabled criminals to use sophisticated scientific techniques, making crimes more complex and refined.
In this changing landscape, the investigating officer must rely on scientific methods to effectively combat technologically advanced criminal behavior. Crime has transcended local boundaries, becoming national and international in nature. The shift from mystical to scientific approaches is now evident not only in criminal investigation but also in broader aspects of legal practice and judicial reasoning. Medical jurisprudence and forensic science now provide indispensable assistance in unearthing evidence that is objective, reliable, and often unattainable through conventional methods.
Origin of Medical Jurisprudence
Medical jurisprudence, a subset of state medicine, concerns the application of medical knowledge to legal issues—both civil and criminal. Although the name implies a blend with jurisprudence, it is more accurately a branch of medicine dealing with medico-legal questions.
