The body of a perpetrator as source of physical evidence in rape : a case study in Bahir Dar/Amhara Region/Ethiopia

Abstract

The aim of this research is to determine what physical evidence can be found on the body of the perpetrator to link the suspect with the crime of rape. Regarding this, the researcher was trying to introduce a number of important concepts such as forensic investigation, chain of custody, evidence, information, identification, individualization, crime scene and the Locard Principle.

This research will explain the meaning of forensic investigation, the objective of criminal investigation, the difference between information and evidence and individualization and identification. An important principle which all investigators and prosecutors should know is the Locard Principle. It says: "Every contact leaves a trace". The principle further explains that, whenever two objects come into contact with one another, material from the first would be transferred to the second and material from the second would be transferred to the first. Although this principle is important for investigators as well as prosecutors, most of them do not know the principle.

The other important thing is the consideration of the body of the perpetrator as a crime scene to prove a crime. A crime scene is defined as an area where a criminal act has taken place. If we get evidence from the body of the perpetrator, we can then consider it as a crime scene. Lastly, regarding the legal rights to collect evidence on the body of the perpetrator, there should be specific laws in Ethiopia. However, there is no specific law. In addition to this, there is no DNA investigation in Ethiopia. Hence, this research will enhance the skills of investigators and prosecutors will benefit from what I have discovered through the research and I am very pleased to be the first Ethiopian in the introduction of the field of forensic investigation to the readers.