DNA Bank in the Scientific Era of Criminal Justice: A Futuristic Perspective With reference to Bioethics

In the era of science and technology, one must adapt or streamline oneself with the development and progress. Criminal justice administration should also incorporate such scientific developments that may assist the judicial institutions in delivering justice efficiently, which is lacking at present due to numerous pending backlogs in the courts. This delay affects the judicial institutions negatively, where people losing trust and faith in these institutions. One remarkable scientific development in the field of forensic science has changed the investigation from traditional to scientific after the inclusion of DNA forensics. DNA forensic as a branch of the discipline of forensic science, has been impacting the investigations and trials positively where justice is delivered in time rather than relying on traditional method of testimonials recording. Criminal cases, those are based on biological evidences, such as sexual offences, murder, mob lynching, POCSO matters etc. can be effectively investigated for DNA evidence through scientific investigation. Recognition of DNA as an individualistic character is very well appreciated within scientific community without any reservations. A creation of a DNA bank will be an extraordinary scientific marvel that will not only assist the criminal justice but it will be helpful in the cases of unidentified bodies, exoneration of convicts, solving paternity disputes etc. against the testimonial evidence. Bioethics brings the balancing between usage of genetic science to not violate any moral values or rights. DNA evidence, if found shall be treated substantially rather than appreciating testimonial evidence which can be faked in the court during trial. This Paper will highlight the importance of DNA bank in the field of criminal justice. It also discusses the constitutional and data privacy concerns associated with DNA evidence collections in the light of Bioethics.