Forensic Science
Fundamentals of Forensic Science
By Ramkrishna Prajapati, Kundan Kumar, Edited by David Errickson
Fundamentals of Forensic Science introduces the basic principles and practices used in the application of science to the investigation of crime. It is an interdisciplinary field that integrates biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, and law to analyze evidence found at crime scenes. Forensic science plays a vital role in the criminal justice system by providing objective information through the examination of physical evidence such as fingerprints, blood samples, hair, fibers, firearms, and digital data. The goal is to reconstruct events, identify suspects or victims, and support legal proceedings through scientifically validated methods. One of the core areas of forensic science is forensic biology, which includes DNA analysis for identifying individuals with high accuracy. Forensic chemistry focuses on analyzing substances like drugs, explosives, and toxic materials, while forensic pathology investigates causes of death through postmortem examinations. Other important branches include forensic anthropology, document examination, and digital forensics. Each of these areas requires specialized knowledge and adherence to rigorous standards to ensure evidence integrity. The discipline emphasizes the scientific method-observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and conclusion-to maintain objectivity and reliability in legal contexts. Overall, forensic science serves as a crucial bridge between science and law, helping ensure justice through evidence-based conclusions. "Fundamentals of Forensic Science" provides a comprehensive overview of scientific principles and techniques used in criminal investigations. Contents: 1. Forensic Sciences, 2. DNA Profiling in Forensic Investigations, 3. The Intersection of Criminal Activity and Forensic Investigation, 4. Forensic Botany, 5. Analytical Techniques in Forensic Science, 6. Building a Criminal Case Using Forensic Evidence, 7. Fingerprint-matching Algorithms, 8. Forensic Ballistics and Microscopy.
About the Authors
Ramkrishn Prajapati is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Amity University Jharkhand, with over two years of teaching experience in the domain of computer science. His primary area of research lies in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), with a specialized focus on their applications in mental health and well-being. He is passionate about leveraging emerging technologies to address psychological and emotional challenges in modern society. Mr. Prajapati has actively contributed to academic discourse through paper presentations at national and international conferences, where he has showcased his research and engaged with fellow scholars. His academic approach is defined by a blend of theoretical depth and practical application, aimed at enhancing both learning outcomes and societal impact. With a keen interest in interdisciplinary research, he continues to explore innovative solutions at the intersection of technology and human health. Kundan Kumar is a dedicated researcher and academic specializing in Cyber-Physical Systems, currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering at Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi. His doctoral research focuses on An Explainable AI-Based Automated Detection of Neonatal Encephalopathy, where he combines deep learning, medical imaging, and interpretability techniques to improve early diagnosis in newborn healthcare. He holds an M.Tech. in Computer Science with a specialization in Cyber-Physical Systems from the Central University of Rajasthan, where he was awarded a Gold Medal for academic excellence. His academic journey also includes advanced training in mathematical sciences, statistical analytics, and AI, equipping him with a strong interdisciplinary foundation. Kundan has presented his research at several national and international conferences, contributing to fields such as microstrip antenna design using AI and privacy preservation in IoT networks. His work reflects a passion for solving real-world problems through intelligent, ethical, and human-centric technologies.