Scientific Safeguards In Criminal Trials: The Role Of DNA And Semen Analysis In Strengthening Defence In Rape And Murder Case
- IJLLR Journal
- 5 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Mayankraj Vijay Kumar Sharma, Symbiosis Law School
ABSTRACT
This research study examines the central role of DNA and semen analysis in fortifying criminal defence strategies within rape and murder trial prosecutions. Although forensic science has long been a prosecutorial asset, its utility for the defence—particularly to construct alternative explanations, rule out suspects, and avoid wrongful convictions—is now more strongly appreciated. The article deconstructs the scientific basis of DNA profiling methods such as PCR, STR, and mtDNA, and their use in evidence-based scenarios. It further analyses the significance of semen analysis in rape cases, discussing detection, sample collection, and interpretation techniques. Still, the veracity of such evidence is dependent on procedural adherence and ethical controls since contamination, expert prejudice, lack of knowledge on the part of enforcement and investigative authorities and organizational pressures are able to taint forensic results.
With the help of case studies like Central Park Five and Steven Barnes, and Indian precedents like State of Gujarat v. Ismail Umerbhai Mansuri and Krishna Kumar Malik v. State of Haryana, the paper highlights the way forensic Methods, instrument incorporation and negligence can secure justice as well as perpetuate injustice. The admissibility of expert evidence in law is discussed under Section 45 of the Indian Evidence Act and at the global level under Daubert. The article also discusses ethical issues, implicit bias, and inequality of access to defence expert testimony, particularly in indigent cases. Lastly, it urges stronger standardization of forensic protocols, more forensic training among law professionals, and systemic changes to democratize access to experts. In this manner, forensic evidence can be made more balanced, ethically robust, and scientifically sound for use by defence in India's adversarial criminal justice system. It is only through this converging strategy of standardizing practice, educating for the skillset, and ensuring equitable access that forensic science can access its full potency as a truth-seeking enterprise where it functions as a shield for the innocent as much as it functions as a sword for the state.
