Development and Competency of Forensic Examination in the Protection of the Rights of the Accused in the Criminal Justice of Ethiopia: Prospects and Challenges (The Case of Homicide in Addis Ababa)
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Date
2016-08
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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Abstract
The use of forensic science has become a central part of proving or disproving the charge against the accused beyond reasonable doubt. The progress of forensic science has created a wholly new basis of evidentiary value referred to as ‘forensic examination’. In the light of accused rights protection, the purpose of this study is to account on finding of prospects and challenges into development and competency of forensic examination in the criminal justice system of Ethiopia. The study made use of qualitative research method based on literature review, interview, dead court cases, and personal observation to analyze the process of forensic examination and its relevance on the rights of the accused during investigation and prosecution of homicide crime. And also to explore the major issues that arises about the forensic examination. The analysis of this study revealed that the existing forensic examination is poor so far and also it is difficult that depend upon such evidence to protect the rights of the accused and to prove justice of homicide crime beyond reasonable doubt. This shortcoming of forensic examination mainly depend upon lack of specific legal procedure of forensic examination, poor laboratory facility and advanced equipment, shortage of high level skilled forensic experts, and lack of accreditation standards of laboratory. This study provides evidence of look forward to identifying the prospects and challenges of forensic examination regarding accused rights protection in the case of homicide crime and it assist and give guidance to the responsible agency to fill the gap.
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Keywords
Forensic Examination, Accused Rights, Criminal Justice, Homicide Crime