From Collection to Court: A Case Analysis of Forensic Biology Evidence Integrity

Forensic biology evidence is valuable only when its integrity is protected from collection through courtroom presentation. This case analysis examines operational vulnerabilities identified during an academic internship at a regional forensic science laboratory in India and considers how those vulnerabilities may affect evidentiary reliability. Direct observations described in the project report were organized into seven domains: case acceptance, case opening, exhibit collection and preservation, laboratory examination and analysis, laboratory environmental conditions, evidence storage, and implications for case resolution. The analysis identified recurring pre-analytical, analytical, environmental, and documentation risks, including mislabeled exhibits, broken seals, improper packing of wet biological material, inconsistent use of protective equipment, shared work surfaces, limited analytical capacity for mixed or low-template DNA, electricity interruptions, pest and ventilation problems, overcrowded storage, and incomplete or vulnerable chain-of-custody records. No inferential statistical testing was conducted because the study was an observational case analysis rather than a quantitative investigation. The seven-domain framework indicates that reliability can be weakened before DNA analysis begins and that laboratory weaknesses can be converted into courtroom challenges even when an analytical method is scientifically sound. The findings support a layered quality-assurance approach combining standardized collection and acceptance procedures, auditable chain-of-custody documentation, improved environmental and storage controls, updated analytical capability, targeted staff training, and greater scientific literacy in courtroom evaluation. The analysis does not establish the frequency or causal effect of individual failures, but it provides a practical risk map for strengthening evidence integrity in forensic biology services.