Forensic science system flawed

Washington, February 21: Prominent American institution, The National Academy of Sciences, has found in its investigation that the forensic science system is flawed.

As per the study, there is very little concrete evidence to support the precision and consistency of most of the forensic methods, particularly those that depend on expert interpretation. Moreover, many forensic laboratories are short of funds and lack adequately trained staff.

The most comprehensively validated technique-the nuclear DNA analysis, has very little probability of error if done correctly. But the point is that except this, other popular methods to establish whether a person is guilty or not, or link a weapon or other proof to the crime have no valid scientific backing to prove that these methods are consistent.

This encompasses analysis of hair, bite marks, documents, tools, firearms, shoe impressions, tire tracks, handwriting and blood traces, among a host of other such techniques. The analysis can, no doubt, help in providing a direction to the investigation but it cannot be counted on for giving a solid evidence of guilt.

Similarly, fingerprint examination is dependent on personal rulings by professionals as to how closely two prints are identical. The verdict may be prejudiced because it depends on the expert’s knowledge of the case. In fact, experts have at times deviated from their own conclusions about the same prints when seen with a different perspective.

The National Academy of Science’s panel has suggested that some concrete steps be taken in order to check the bias that creeps into the forensic investigations. Some of these measures include certifying forensic professionals, accrediting laboratories and establishing uniform standards for evidence analysis.

However, according to the researchers, more research needs to be conducted in order to ascertain the correctness of forensic science methods. As of now, judges and lawyers have been alerted that top-of-the-line forensic accuracy could be just an illusion and not the reality.