Decoding Forensics for Legal Professionals
Delve into forensic science and examine its limitations to better understand how to use forensics in criminal trials, with National Law University Delhi.
Duration
6 weeks
Weekly study
2 hours
100% online
How it works
Unlimited subscription
Learn more
Established
2008
Location
Delhi, India
Explore commonly relied on disciplines in forensics
Today, forensic evidence is integral to criminal investigations and trials. Therefore, it is important for legal professionals to have an understanding of the scientific foundations and limitations of different types of forensic evidence, in order to engage more meaningfully with such evidence.
On this six-week course, you’ll explore the scientific principles underlying forensic pathology, medical examination in sexual offence cases, bite mark analysis, and forensic DNA profiling. Using mock case scenarios, this insightful online course will help you develop the skills you can immediately apply in your career as a legal professional.
Delve into the legal standards of forensic evidence
You’ll explore the law on expert evidence and the procedures that courts follow in examining such evidence. With this knowledge, you’ll understand the limitations with the current forms of legal inquiries and how they can be improved.
Lastly, you’ll scrutinise the law of expert evidence and forensic science landscape in India.
Develop your scientific inquiry skills alongside experts
Through this course, you will develop a keen sense of scientific inquiry and aptitude and learn how to apply these scientific principles and evidentiary standards to forensic disciplines beyond the course.
The videos, articles and quizzes have been curated on the basis of the extensive research and criminal defence work conducted by Project 39A, a criminal justice initiative based out of National Law University, Delhi. This course will help you develop essential skills which you can use in your career as a legal professional.
What topics will you cover?
This course delves into the scientific foundations and limitations of forensic disciplines which are commonly seen in criminal cases. These disciplines are - forensic pathology, medical examination in sexual offence cases, bite mark analysis and forensic DNA profiling. We also examine the legal standards in place to scrutinise such forensic evidence.
In the first week, we cover the module on forensic pathology and post mortem examinations. We examine the process for conducting post mortem examinations and the issues regarding the determination of the time and cause of death.
In the second week, the module on medical examination in sexual offence cases debunks the myths about the medical examination of victims and accused in such cases. Thereafter, we explore the manner in which medical officers should record their opinions and how it should be examined by legal professionals. In the third week, the module on bite mark analysis covers an introduction to forensic odontology and the assumptions underlying bite mark comparison. We also discuss the manner in which legal professionals should scrutinise bite mark evidence in their casework.
In the fourth and fifth week, the module on forensic DNA profiling delves into the basics of crime scene management, body fluid examination and forensic DNA profiling. We also explain the steps involved in forensic DNA profiling, and discuss issues relating to interpretation of DNA results, DNA mixtures and transfer of DNA. In the final week, the module on standards for examination of expert evidence introduces the law on expert evidence and explores the role of courts in examining such evidence. This module also covers the law of expert evidence and forensic science landscape in India.
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