It’s only going to get worse.

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4960559

The Significance of Forensic and Scientific Evidence and Their Admissibility in Criminal Law

Forensic and scientific evidence have become essential components of the modern criminal justice system, enabling more accurate investigations, convictions, and exonerations. This chapter explores the significance of forensic disciplines such as DNA profiling, fingerprint analysis, ballistics, toxicology, forensic pathology, and digital forensics in solving complex criminal cases. It emphasizes the role of scientific advancements in enhancing the accuracy of evidence while also addressing the legal frameworks governing their admissibility. The chapter critically examines key admissibility standards, including the Frye and Daubert standards, and highlights global perspectives on forensic evidence in court. Additionally, it explores how flawed forensic methods and junk science have contributed to wrongful convictions and underscores the importance of reliable, scientifically sound evidence in ensuring justice. The ethical considerations involved in handling forensic evidence, including the chain of custody, privacy concerns, and the prevention of bias, are also discussed. Furthermore, the chapter reflects on the future of forensic science, with emerging fields such as genetic genealogy, artificial intelligence, and machine learning promising to further revolutionize criminal investigations. Through a comprehensive analysis, this chapter provides an in-depth understanding of how forensic science shapes modern criminal law while addressing the challenges of admissibility, reliability, and ethics in the pursuit of justice.