The Progression of Forensics and Transitional Justice within the Framework of Technological Advancements in the Justice System

Abstract

The academic community has paid surprisingly little attention to the transformative impact that forensic science has had on the way in which nations deal with their violent history. This contrasts with the growing interest in institutional and normative aspects that promote global accountability. This research contributes to the current body of literature on transitional justice by drawing attention to the innovative but unappreciated role that forensic justice technology plays in empowering victims to pursue justice, responsibility, and human rights. Even though forensic technology has made it feasible to positively identify human remains for humanitarian purposes, strong evidence from exhumations is still required in order to bring those responsible for egregious violations of human rights to justice. Within the scope of this research, interviews were conducted with forensic specialists, judges, prosecutors, and lawmakers to gain an understanding of the ways in which these tools influence accountability in post-conflict environments. It provides an explanation of how transitional justice developed concurrently with the expansion of forensic tools for investigating possible violations of human rights.