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
2016-06
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Addis Ababa University,
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