ETHICAL INTEGRATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN FORENSIC SCIENCE: PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Forensic science has evolved significantly in pursuing justice due to technological advancements and the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI). This paper explores how forensic science, AI, and legal processes intersect, discussing the challenges and benefits of modern deception detection techniques (DDTs) and their impact on delivering justice. As criminals use technology to avoid detection, law enforcement must integrate AI-driven analysis for effective crime prevention. Using advanced software like IBM Watson, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud, forensic experts could help study the digital traces individuals leave behind, identifying patterns and unusual activities that are hard for humans to detect. These tools can suggest an understanding of behaviour patterns, emotional analysis, and sentiment detection, transforming how investigations are conducted and improving the delivery of justice in the digital era. However, integrating AI into legal proceedings presents challenges related to regulations and ethics. Concerns over bias, misuse, and privacy violations necessitate the establishment of robust governance mechanisms to govern the use of AI in forensic analysis. Collaboration among legal, forensic, psychological, and AI experts is vital to handle these challenges and responsibly integrate AI into legal processes. Additionally, this paper explores the difficulties Indian courts encounter in accepting forensic psychological tests like polygraph and narcoanalysis after the significant ruling in Selvi's Case. Although the ruling bans forcing truth serum tests, it does not per se ban how AI-based forensic tools can improve the reliability and usefulness of psychological evidence in legal cases. The paper highlights how AI-driven forensic analysis can uncover hidden truths and ensure fair justice administration, inspired by Locard's exchange principle. Researchers can bring about a new era of forensic science by adopting AI technologies and collaborating across disciplines, improving justice systems worldwide.

KEYWORDS: Scientific Evidence, Deception Detective Techniques, Self-Incrimination, AI, Digital Footprint, Locard’s Principle