NAME : RAKSHITHA J SRN : 03FL21BCL040

TITLE: LEGAL APPLICATIONS OF VARIOUS ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES IN

FORENSIC SCIENCE

ABSTRACT

Forensic Science depends on analytical techniques to extract information from evidence

which is collected at a crime scene. These techniques are divided into three categories:
chemical analysis, biological analysis and microscopic analysis. These techniques are used
according to the evidence collected. As, technology advances new techniques are emerging
that helps in improving the forensic investigation in solving crimes.

INTRODUCTION

Analytical technique is a process used to solve a problem by combining scientific method

with the formal process.

Forensic analytical techniques play a major role in solving criminal cases. It utilizes the
majority of significant fields in physical, biological, and material science.

VARIOUS ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES IN FORENSIC SCIENCE

1. Chemical Analysis: It discovers the chemical composition of evidence gathered at the crime
scenes. It not only clarifies the origins and properties of the substance used in criminal
activity, it can also be utilized to prove links between victims, crime sites and suspects.
 Spectroscopy: It is used to find out the elements or compounds which are present in the
sample according to observing how they react to light or other electromagnetic radiation.
Techniques like mass spectrometry, infrared, and ultra – violet visible spectroscopy is
regularly used to examine the electronic structure of the molecules.
 Chromatography: It is used to determine the distinguish between the mixtures of compounds
according to their physical or chemical characteristics. There are 2 polpular chromatography
methods used in forensic: Gas chromatography (GC) and High – performance liquid
chromatography (HPLC). HPLC uses liquid mobile phase to separate non – explosive

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 compounds, whereas GC separates explosive compounds according to their connection for a
equilibrium phase.

2. Biological Analysis: It is the process of creation of connection between the suspects and the
crime scene or identifying people thorough biological evidences like DNA, hair and blood
etc. DNA analysis is the most used and an important tool in forensic investigation due to it’s
high degree of accuracy and determining power.
 DNA analysis : It compares the DNA samples received in the crime scene to know
individuals in order to identify specific people. DNA samples are examined using methods
like “short tandem report” and “ polymerase chain reaction” . DNA profiling is used to
identify the suspects, to determine paternity and maternity and to connect people to crime
scenes or victims.
3. Microscopic Analysis: Here microscope is used to examine the evidence to identify and
determine minute materials or particles. Evidence like minute pieces of hair, paint chips,
fibers, and gunshot remnant which are important to establish connection between the weapons
and the suspects or crime scenes can be identified by using this method.
 Microscopy: While the examination of evidence is done by using biological analysis, light
microscopy is often used but electron microscopy provides even higher accuracy in
identifying the minute particles or molecules.

This methods are helpful and used in the investigation of crimes and to provide justice by
offering information about the composition, source and the type of evidence gathered at crime
scenes.

LEGAL APPLICATIONS OF THESE ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES

Chemical analysis

i. Identification of Drug : chemical analysis like spectroscopy and chromatography helps to

identify the illegal substances discovered in the crime scene and supports drug – related
prosecutions
ii. Detection of Poison : It helps to identify the toxic substances or poison in biological samples,
which is an important evidence in cases of poisoning or homicide.

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 Biological Analysis

i. DNA Profiling : It is an important technique, which is used to determine the maternity and
paternity, to connect suspects to crime scenes and victims and to clear innocent parties.
ii. Blood Type: It helps to identify the blood type and connect it with the blood present at the
crime scenes and connecting it to suspects.

Microscopic Analysis

i. Trace Evidence : This method helps to examine the hair, paint chips and other minute
evidence which helps to trace the suspects and connecting them with the weapons or crime
scenes.
ii. Gunshot remnant analysis : In incidents like shooting microscopic analysis helps to determine
whether a suspect has fired a firearm by gunshot remnant.

CASE LAWS THAT SIGNIFIES THE LEGAL APPLICATIONS OF THESE

ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES

 DNA Analysis: Colin Pitchfork Case ( United Kingdom )

This case involved the rape and murder of two teenage girls. In this case DNA profiling was
used for the first time to obtain a conviction in criminal case. Forensic experts used semen
samples found in the crime scene and were able to match Pitchfork’s DNA with the semen
and he was found guilty as the sample matched to his DNA. This case signifies the use of
DNA analysis in forensic investigation and its accuracy which helps in legal proceedings to
ensure that the justice is served.

 Toxicology Analysis : Marilyn Monroe Case (United States)

Toxicology analysis was used to find the cause of the actress Marilyn Monroe’s death. During
the analysis the autopsy and toxicology report showed high levels of “Barbiturates” in
Monroe’s system, which led to the conclusion that the cause of death was Overdose. This case
serves as an example of how toxicology analysis is used to identify the cause of death in cases
that are suspicious.

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 Fingerprint Analysis : Brandon Mayfield Case (United States)

Brandon Mayfield an American lawyer was wrongly linked to the Madrid train bombings in
2004 due to a misidentification of his fingerprint. FBI matched Mayfield’s fingerprint to one
found on the bag of detonators near the bombing site. However, the error was discovered by
Spanish authorities and independent experts through further analysis, which resulted in
discharge of Mayfield and further public investigation into the accuracy of the fingerprint
analysis. This case signifies the rigorous standards and strict analysis in fingerprint analysis to
avoid injustices.

 Ballistics Analysis : Kennedy Assassination (United States)

In this case President John F. Kennedy was assassinated which involved extensive ballistics
analysis to identify the source and path of the lethal gunshots. Forensic experts investigated
gunshot residue, firearms and eyewitness testimonies to piece together the evidence leading
up to the murder. Warren Commission, looked into the assassination by using Ballistic
analysis and concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald shot President Kennedy alone. This case
signifies how Ballistic analysis can be used legally in identifying public criminal investigation
and how it helps in legal proceedings.

CONCLUSION

To ensure the unbiased administration of justice, forensic science's numerous analytical tools
must find legal applications. These methods, which include chemical analysis that helps
identify drugs and DNA profiling that creates connections between suspects and crime sites,
provide crucial evidence in court. In addition, ballistic analysis in well-publicized instances
and microscopic study of traces of evidence highlight the minute care required to uncover the
truth and stop injustices. The prosecution's case is strengthened and the accused's rights are
preserved by emphasizing the importance of exact and persuasive analytical methods in
forensic investigations.

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