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Title of Paper- Introduction to Forensic Science

1 Introduction to Forensic Introduction to Forensic Science Prof. Devasish Bose

Science

An Introduction to Forensic Science

Prof. Devasish Bose
Department of Criminology & Forensic Science
Dr. Harisingh Gour University, Sagar.

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Modules FAQs LOR objectives summary quiz Assignments reference glossary links
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Full academic script (around 3000 words)
Module 1 Introduction and definition of Forensic Science.
Module 2 History& Development of Forensic Science.
Module 3 Need of forensic science
Module 4 Objective of forensic science
Module 5 Disciplines and Branches of Forensic Science
Module 6 Scope of Forensic Science
Module 7 Conclusion

EXPERT:- Prof. Devasish Bose, Head, Department of Criminology and Forensic Science, Dr.
Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar, (M.P.).
Assisted by: Mr. Girraj Sharma, PhD Scholar, UGC-SRF, Department of Criminology and
Forensic Science, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar, (M.P.).
Let’s start our discussion
Module- 1 Introduction and definition of Forensic Science

Forensic Science is not a new subject. It is as old as our society. When we talk about forensic
science in a broad sense we can say, this is the application of basic sciences to law or justice. It
could better be explained in a way that when a criminal commits a crime he or she leaves a lot of
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evidences at the scene of crime. These evidences are highly valuable to prove the crime. Now
that’s where forensic science comes into the scene as it plays a crucial role in the detection of
crime. It analyzes the exhibit left by the accused from a scientific point of view by reliable
methods & techniques.These techniques are highly sensitive, precise and accurate for the
qualitative & quantitative examination of different exhibit at the scene of crime as well as
laboratory. Now a days the ratio of crime is changing at a very fast pace. Day by day new
technologies are evolving& the criminals are using it to serve their evil purpose.

With the application of forensic science, any crime could be solved in a scientific way. Here I
would like to explain the role of forensic science with the help of three criminal cases-
1. Marie Lafarge was a French woman who was convicted for the murdering her husband
by arsenic poisoning in 1840.
2. Francisca Rojas is the first case in the world which was solved on the basis of bloody
fingerprints - On June 19, 1892 a murder case took place. In this case, two children were
murdered at the outskirts of the town of Necochea on the coast of Argentina. The victims
were the illegitimate children of a 26-year-old woman named Francisca Rojas. During the
time of investigation, local police found that late in the evening of murder, Rojas had run
into a neighbor’s home wild-eyed and screaming. She blurted out, “he killed my children
………. Velasquez………!” The neighbor’s of Rojas immediately went to Rojas hut and
found the children, their skull smashed, lying in considerable amount of blood. Upon
interviewing of Rojas, local police found that a man named Velasquez who wanted to get
married to her. She had refused Velasquez’s proposals several times as she was in
lovewith another man. Early on the day of the murder Velasquez had visited Rojas again
and had been very insistent.
After investigating all the facts local police arrested the Velasquez but while examining
the scene of crime local police found a brown stain in the bed. Careful examination
revealed that it was a fingerprint but question was of whom? Local police collected the
fingerprint and matched it with the fingerprints of Rojas. When this evidence was
presented to her she broke down and admitted that she had killed her children.
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3. Tandoor murder case- On 2 July, 1995- a woman named Naina Sahni was murdered by
her husband Sushil Sharma. Upon investigation, local police learned that on the night of
the incident, Sushil returned home and found Naina Talking to someone over the phone
and consuming alcohol. He objected to it and also, to Naina’s friendship with Matloob
Karim. They got into an altercation following which he shot Naina resulting to her death.
Later on, He took the dead body to a restaurant and tried to dispose it off with the help of
the manager named Keshav kumar. The body was chopped into pieces and put in a
tandoor to burn.
Upon investigation, the local police disentangled the entire confederacy and, on the basis
of D.N.A. identification, the victim was identified.

Now these cases might have given you a fair idea on the work been done by Forensic
Science and thus we can define forensic science as–
“Forensic Science is the combination of various basic sciences like physics,
chemistry, biology, computer science, and engineering. It uses the application of
these sciences in the matters of law”. Apart from this Forensic science also explains to
investigators some basic things like how blood reached a particular spot, is it toxicated or
not, identity of blood, to whom it belongs etc.
Module- 2
Now we talk about the origin of the word “ Forensic”,
History & Development of Forensic Science- Basically, the history of forensic science starts
from BC but, here we will discuss only the contribution of those scientists who were milestones
in the field of forensic science and, for the sake of convenience we will divide it in two parts.
1. Scientists from other countries
2. Scientists from India
1. Outside India: There are many who can be cited for their specific contribution to the field
of forensic science. The following is just a brief list of those who made the earliest
contribution to formulating the disciplines that now constitute Forensic Science.
 Mathieu Orfila- He is considered the father of Forensic Toxicology. In 1814,
Orfila published the first scientific treatise on the detection of poisons and their
effects on animals.
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 Alphonse Bertillon– The first scientific system of personal identification was

devised by him. He also developed Anthropometry.
 Francis Galton- Galton undertook the first definition study of fingerprints and
developed a methodology classifying them for filling.
 Dr. Leone Lattes- He devised a relatively simple procedure for determining the
blood group of dried blood stains, a technique he immediately applied to Criminal
Investigations.
 Calvin Goddard- he developed a comparison microscope to determine whether or
not a particular gun has fired a bullet.
 Albert S. Osborn- he developed a fundamental principle to examination of
Questioned Document. In 1910, Osborn wrote a first significant text in this field
known as “Questioned Document”.
 Hans Gross- The first treatise describing the application of scientific disciplines to
the field of “Criminal Investigation” was written by Hans Gross.
 Edmond Locard– he gave the principle of exchange which is also known as
Locard’s principle.
2. Inside India- The history of forensic science in India dates back before Independence.
For the sake of convenience , it can be divided in two parts-
A. Pre-independent
B. Post – independent
Pre- independent history of forensic science in India-
1. Chemical Laboratory established in Kolkata in 1853.
2. Chemical Laboratory established in Agra in 1864.
3. Chemical Laboratory established in Mumbai 1870.
4. In 1897, world’s first Fingerprinting Bureau established in India.
5. First chemical laboratory established in madras in 1948.
6. In 1982, Anthropometric bureau established in Kolkata.
Post- independent history of forensic science in India-
1. In 1952, first forensic science laboratory established in Calcutta.
2. In 1955, central fingerprint bureau established in India.
3. In 1957, first central forensic science laboratory was established.
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4. In 1959, first educational institute established in Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya,

Sagar, (M.P.).
5. In 1970, Bureau of Police & Research development established in New Delhi.
6. In 1972, National Institute of Criminology & Forensic Science came into existence.
7. Center for D.N.A. Fingerprinting and Diagnostics developed in Hyderabad in 1998.

Module- 3
Need of Forensic Science- The need of Forensic Science is increasing day by day in every
aspect of life because it solves a crime in a scientific manner by which innocent cannot be
deprived from the justice, as well as criminals can be brought to justice. The way crimes are
being committed today, Forensic Science is needed more than ever. While a culprit didn’t want
to leave any traces of his presence on the spot, it’s because of the nervousness while committing
the crime that he unintentionally leaves a lot of evidences which were not seen Prima Facie.
Here, I would like to repeat the principle of exchange “Every contact leaves a trace”. We can
also understand from this example- in our daily life whenever we go somewhere, we leave our
traces either apparently or in a concealed way. So, for keen investigation it is extremely
necessary to take the help of Forensic Science.
If we talk about ancient times, Crimes exist even then but, they did not have any developed
science which could help them in solving the cases. Here, I would like to teach the story of
judgment of King Solomon. One day in his court, two women came with one child. Both of them
were claiming to be the mother of that child by tricking the parties into revealing their true
feelings. Like Twenty First century, if they have the know-how of D.N.A. fingerprinting, they
could easily solve the case but they don’t and hence, the judgment was solely based on their
wisdom, logic, eyewitnesses and other things that are found at scene of crime but on the basis of
these things we cannot surely determine the culprit and the innocent.
From the above mentioned points, now we are clear how important Forensic Science is in
investigating acrime. Now, we shall compare on what grounds forensic science is better than the
traditional witnesses or eye witness-
1. Forensic Science is based on scientific principal and method for analysis of evidences.
2. It is highly reliable.
3. It is reproducible.
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4. It is easy to understand.
5. It can link the culprit with the crime, the victim, the scene, the weapon and other
evidences.
6. Free from human flaws- bias, emotions, memory lapses, perjury and rationalization.
7. It is verifiable.
8. It analyzes every type of evidence.
9. It is efficient and cost effective.

Module-4
Objective of Forensic Science-
Now we shall study the objective of this domain –
1. Has the crime been committed or not?
To understand this we shall take help of example – While investigating a case where a
person died, the police, after their initial examination has found that the person died of the
cardiovascular disease, which happens to be a natural cause of Death. Here, one can say that
Crime has not been committed and death occurred because of the natural causes.
2. How and when was the crime committed?
It is most crucial factor - to determine the way a crime is committed and the time of
crime. If investigative officer is able to determine these aspects of crime. He has
solved half of the case.
3. Who committed the crime?
It’s a big deal to answer. It depends on the overall examination of the physical
evidences as well as witnesses of the crime.
4. How has it been committed?
Examination of various facts such as, documentary evidences, hearsay evidences, eye
witnesses, and history of the case.
5. To establish link between Scene of Crime, Victim & Suspect?
Forensic Science provides a relation between all of these which help in the
investigation of the investigator.
6. To recognize whether the Scene of Crime is real or fake?
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By the help of forensic science, a forensic scientist can recognize the Scene of Crime
whether is it fabricated or real.
7. To underlay the sequence of events.
It determines the sequence of crime. How did crime occur?
8. To discern a culprit from large list of culprits.
9. To exclude innocent.
Forensic Science can easily exclude innocent from the list of suspects

Module-5
Branches of Forensic Science- Like other Sciences forensic science has also its own branches
which are following-
1. Forensic Medicine- it is the subject concerned with the application of medical and
paramedical scientific knowledge to certain branches of law.
2. Forensic Anthropology- this is a special sub-field of Anthropology which deals with the
study of the identification and examination of human skeletal remains. Basically, forensic
anthropologist uses the skeletal remains to determine whether the skeletal remains are
human origin or animal origin, if it is human origin, the age, sex, height, race, place and
other characteristics, such as socioeconomic status etc.
Forensic anthropologist also plays a significant role in the reconstruction of scene of
crime as well as identification of victims in mass disaster cases, such as bomb blast,
building collapse, natural disasters and plane crashing.
3. Forensic Chemistry- Forensic Chemistry is concerned with the application of chemistry
to the criminal justice system. Typically, forensic chemists do the qualitative and
quantitative study of the matter; he also determines the adulteration in various materials
such as, petrol, diesel, kerosene, spices, food products, clothes, drugs, polymers, ink,
paint, acid, base &alkalis etc.
Forensic chemists figure prominently in the case of bombings and composition of
material.
4. Forensic Biology- it is the application to law enforcement. Moreover, Forensic biologists
analyze the part of living beings as well as biological fluid with the help of these
evidences he can establish the identification of living being.
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It includes following branches-

a- Forensic Botany –Application of botany to criminal investigation. Moreover,
Forensic botany deals with identifying plants, plant origin and it’s trafficking around
the world. Generally, Forensic botanists analyze the plant parts, such as root, stem,
leaves, flowers, pollen grains, seed etc. under the microscope or by using other
techniques which are suitable for this.
b- Forensic Entomology- it is the application and study of insects in relation with
crime. For by, forensic entomology involves the life cycle of insect to investigate the
crime. Typically, forensic entomologists try to establish the relation to the dead body
of person. In which, he studies various type of insects and extract the information
like time since death, type of drug, geographic place etc.
c- Forensic Odontology- it deals with dental evidences and sometimes called forensic
dentistry. Forensic odontologist can draw the different type of applications in various
cases like identification of human remains in mass disasters, comparison of bite
marks in many cases like assault, murder, poison etc., in case of missing or unknown
dead body post-mortem or ant-mortem x-rays of teeth should be compared if it is
available, age determination, sex determination. Nobody can forget the famous bite
mark case of Theodore Bundy. In this case, Lowell Levine, a forensic odontologist,
testified the bite marks on the victim’s body.
d- Forensic Serology- it mainly deals with the body fluids. Basically, forensic serology
is the study of antigen & antibody. Forensic serologist can individualize a person
from the body fluids such a blood, semen, saliva, sweat, urine, etc. Forensic serology
involves the individualization people from biological fluids because these fluids are
commonly encountered at scene of crime. Whether the crime is against the animal or
property.

5. Forensic Physics– Forensic physics involves the application of physics to answer the
questions of court. It mainly involves the study of physical characteristics of physical evidences
like density, birefringence, refraction, determination and comparative study of optical properties
etc. Moreover, it includes the physical matching of glass, paint, pattern of clothes, fragments of
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handle of wood and cord. Surplus, it also examines the physical matching of tool marks, foot
prints, textile – matching etc.
6. Forensic Geology- it covers the study of minerals, oil, petroleum, and other materials found in
the Earth. Typically, forensic geologist analyzes rocks, stones, minerals in context of crime.
7. Forensic Pathology- first of all, I would like to clear one misperception among the people that
is forensic science and forensic pathology is same – this misperception persists today. So, dear
students both are different things. It is the specialty of the medicine which deals with the
investigation of the unnatural death and its causes. Indeed, forensic pathologist is well trained in
forensic pathology whether it is clinical and anatomic pathology. He plays a significant role in
the determination of cause of death and manner of death in those cases where death occurred in
suspicious or unknown circumstances. Its central part is to perform autopsy or post-mortem
examination of the dead body.
8. Forensic Toxicology- Forensic toxicology deals with the determination of drugs and poisons
in body fluids and tissues whether drug or poison is present or absent. Surplus, it also involves
the examination of effect of drug and poison on subject. Forensic toxicologist often works with
medical examiners or coroners. Moreover, he should have basic knowledge about the other
disciplines like human physiology, biochemistry and chemistry. Forensic toxicologist receives
most of the cases related to drunk driving and the quantification of the amount of alcohol in
blood, urine, saliva, breath etc.
9. Forensic Taphonomy- Taphonomy as applied in forensic deals with the history of body after
death. How environmental factors affect the corpse and its surrounding.
10. Forensic Statistics- it is the application of statistics to the legal system.
11. Forensic Engineering- it deals with the testing of materials, products, structures or essential
components that do not work as they should do or fail in functioning. So, they can damage the
property or cause personal injury. Surplus, forensic engineering plays a major role in the
investigation of building collapse as well as bridge. A forensic engineer’s aim to determine the
cause of the failure.
12. Forensic Psychiatry- Forensic psychiatry explains the relationship between human behavior
and legal proceedings. Forensic psychiatrists encounter civil as well as criminal judicial
proceedings. In civil cases, they typically determine the
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Dear students, above we have studied different disciplines related to Forensic Science. Now
we shall learn about the branches of forensic science which are follow-

1. Forensic Study of Impressions- this is the study of the analysis and classification of
patterns observed in individual patterns.
A. Finger print- Fingerprints are the unique source of individualization for human. In
essence, there is no one in the world who has similar fingerprints to other. Whenever
person touches, holds and lifts any object which comes in contact, there is a chance of
transfer of his/her FP impressions as well as any material at the object. Fingerprints may
be visible and latent upon the object. In most of cases, latent fingerprints are found at the
scene of crime. The latent fingerprints need physical or chemical methods for
development of latent fingerprints. Moreover, enhancement, classification, recording,
comparison, testimony of fingerprints is done by fingerprint expert.
B. Tool Marks Examination- its study is also important because these marks are
commonly encountered at various scene of crime such as robbery, theft, dacoity, sabotage
etc. it involves the examination of traditional and non-traditional tools.
C. Tyre and Track Marks- It includes the study, examination and comparison of source
of origin and interpretation of results of tyre and track marks. Surplus, width of tyre,
design of tyre, pattern of tyre and distance between two adjacent tyres can be possible to
determine.
D. Foot and Footwear marks- it deals with the examination of foot and footwear marks,
comparison of suspected marks. After examining these marks, we can laid down the sex,
age, weight etc.
2. Firearms Identification Unit/ Forensic Ballistics- It involves the examination of
firearms, live cartridge, cartridge shell, discharged bullets, shotgun cases, gun powder,
gunshot residue, shotgun pellets pattern, distance estimation of firing, restoration of
numbers of firearms, wound ballistics and ammunition of all types. Moreover, it also
includes the different type of marks such as striation marks (friction marks), breech face
marks, firing pin marks and extractor or ejector marks.
3. Document Examination Division - Document examination is a term for a forensic science
discipline pertaining to documents that are potentially disputed in a court of law. It
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includes the investigation of handwriting, typewriting, paper and ink. Adscititious, it also
examines obliterations, erasures, and burned or charred documents.
4. Audio Forensic- it is the field of forensic science which deals with the sound recordings
in a criminal investigation. It works on this principle -“No two human can have similar
voice”. This unique character of voice comes by the combination of various throat organs
like mouth, tongue, teeth and lips. It involves the cases of ransom, abusive language, tape
recorder.
5. Criminalistics- This term is sometimes used as a synonym of forensic science.
Criminalistics is an English word derived from the German kriminalistik. This was used
by first time by Hans Gross. It involves the collection and analysis of physical evidence
at the scene of crime. Moreover, it also deals with the various areas such as fingerprint,
tool marks and firearms, poisons and drugs, footwear, trace evidences explosives and
biological fluids.
6. Forensic Photography- photography is a felicity for the forensic science. It plays a
crucial role in the each and every area of forensic science such as questioned document.
Fingerprint, tool marks, foot and footwear marks, tyre and track marks, biological fluids,
firearms.

Module -6
Scope of forensic science- Forensic Science has a very vast scope for student. After getting a
degree students can apply in various job sectors such as-
1. Govt. Sector Jobs:
A. Forensic Science Laboratories -Central Govt. Forensic Sciences Labs, State FSL's,
GEQD, Police Department, Crime Branches, CBI,CID, Regional Forensic Science
Laboratories, Intelligence Bureau, Banks, Defense / Army, Courts, Quality Control
Bureau, Narcotics Dept, Hospitals,etc.
B. Education Fields- Universities, Colleges etc.
C. Research Areas- Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Toxicology, Forensic Biology,
Forensic Physics, Forensic Medicine, Physical Evidences, Questioned Documents &
Finger prints, Forensic Ballistics etc.
2. Private Sector Jobs:
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Private Detective Agencies, Private Banks, Insurance Companies, Private Hospitals,

Security Services Agencies, Helpful to Lawyers/Advocates, Law Firms, Private
Companies, Own Private Practice etc.
Module -7
Conclusion –at the conclusion of this lecture, now we are able to understand how forensic
science is playing a crucial role in the prevention of crime. Forensic Science saves the
innocent and provides information against the suspect. It also analyses and examines
physical evidences on the basis of scientific principals and methods. In the above
mentioned examples, we have seen that forensic science is remarkable in solving the
crime.
Dear students, forensic science is changing rapidly. Be abreast of the latest changes and
the innovations that are being made in this field. There are thousands of techniques in the
field of forensic science on the basis of which a court can give an accurate and reliable
decision for the civil as well as criminal cases in which the techniques like DNA, Firearm
Identification, Handwriting and Fingerprinting will prove to be of immense help.

With all these information here we come to the end of today's lecture.Do keep in mind what we
discussed today. I’ll be back with one more lecture in this series .If you want to learn more and
enhance your knowledge you may log on to our web site www.cec.nic.in. for MCQ,Quizes,
LORs etc.
Thank you for your time today. I will see you in the next lecture. Have a great day.

II.LOR Questions:

Question 1: what is Forensic Science?

Ans. Forensic Science is a combination of various sciences in which we use the
application of science to answer the questions in a court of law.

Question 2: what is ballistic?

Answer- Study of projectile in motion is called ballistic.
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Question 3: Who is father of forensic toxicology?

Answer. Mathieu J. Orfilla

Question 4: write down the full form of FSL.

Answer- Forensic Science Laboratory.

Question 5. How many central forensic science laboratory are functional in India?
Answer: 7

III. Objectives of this e-script-

Answer: The purpose of these modules is to introduce the basic concept of forensic
science, it scope & need. To narrate the role of forensic science in solving a crime.
Defining and introducing forensic science & its branches.

IV. Summary-
Forensic science is growing rapidly and so is the rate of crimes in our society and for this
reason, all the investigative agencies are looking towards it because of its expertise in
solving a crime scientifically which could not be made possible otherwise. By the help of
forensic science we can punish the suspect and exclude the innocent. Here, in this e-script
each and every thing has been defined in an efficient way.

V.FAQs-
Q.1: What is forensic botany?
Ans. Application of botany to criminal investigation.

Q.2: What is forensic toxicology?

Ans.it is an examination of all aspects of toxicity that may have legal implications.

Q.3: who is father of questioned document?

Ans. Albert s. Osborn
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Q.4 write down about the Dr. Leone Lattes.

Ans. He devised a relatively simple procedure for determining the blood group of dried
blood stains, a technique he immediately applied to Criminal Investigations.

Q.5 write down the post-independent history of forensic science in India.

Ans. Post- independent history of forensic science in India-

1. In 1952, first forensic science laboratory established in Calcutta.
2. In 1955, central fingerprint bureau established in India.
3. In 1957, first central forensic science laboratory
4. In 1959, first educational institute established in Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya,
Sagar, (M.P.).
5. In 1970, Bureau of Police & Research development established in New Delhi.
6. In 1972, National Institute of Criminology & Forensic Science came into existence.
7. Center for D.N.A. Fingerprinting and Diagnostics developed in Hyderabad in 1998.

VI. QUIZ
1. First chemical examiner’s laboratory in India was established in
A. Agra
B. Bombay
C. Calcutta
D. Madras
Answer- D
2. In India, Bureau of police Research and Development was established in
A. 1963
B. 1965
C. 1970
D. 1974

Answer- C

3. The book entitled ‘ Questioned Document’ was written by the following

A. Harrison
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B. Hilton
C. A. Osborn
D. Quirk

Answer- C

4. In India the first government examiner of questioned document laboratory was

established in
A. Kolkata
B. Hyderabad
C. Shimla
D. Chennai

Answer- C

5. Lok Nayak Jai Prakash National Institue of Criminology and Forensic Science was
started in New Delhi in the following year:
A.1970
B.1974
C .1972
D. 1976
Answer- B

6. Anthropometry was started by :

A. Hans Gross
B. Bertillon
C. Galton
D. Locard

Answer- B

VII. ASSINGMENTS

1. Write down the post-independent history of forensic science in India

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2. What is forensic toxicology?

3. Who is father of questioned document?
4. What is forensic botany?
5. What is Forensic Science?
6. What is Forensic Geology?

VIII. References –

1. Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques, Fourth

Edition. Stuart H. James, Jon J. Nordby, Ph.D.
2. Forensic Science in Crime Investigation. Front Cover. B. S. Nabar. Asia Law House,
2001 - Criminal investigation - 398 pages.
3. Forensic Science in Criminal Investigation and Trials (With Supplement) by B.R. Sharma
4. An Introduction to Forensic Science (College Version): United States Edition. 18 June
2003. Richard Saferstein.
5. Forensic Science: The Basics, Third Edition - CRC Press Book. ... Jay A Siegel, Kathy
Mirakovits. Hardback $75.16 ... Textbook - 610 Pages - 334 Color.

IX. Glossary

1. Forensic Science- Forensic is a combination of various sciences in which we use the

application of science to answer the court.
2. Questioned Document- Questioned document examination (QDE) is a term for a
forensic science discipline pertaining to documents that are potentially disputed in a
court of law.
3. Audio Forensic- it is the field of forensic science which deals with the sound
recordings in a criminal investigation.
4. Forensic Taphonomy- Taphonomy as applied in forensic deals with the history of
body after death.
5. Forensic Physics - It deals with a combination of ballistics, bombs, blood splatters,
the measurement of density (soil and glass examination), index of refraction, and
birefringence (fiber analysis, glass examination).