Forensis Forum Events

As a part of practical curriculum, the Post Graduate Department of Criminology and Forensic Science (CFS) had organized a demonstrative session on ‘Mock Court Trial in a Criminal Case’ for the second year students of MSc CFS both Questioned Document and Impression Evidence (QDIE) & Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice (FPCJ) specialization held on Saturday, 20th May 2023 at 10.30 a.m. Ms. Sannidhi Ravindran, Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Science, YIASCM, Balmatta, Mangaluru and Advocate who is also an alumni of the institution was the moderator.

The main objective of the session was to get hand on experience on the trial proceedings, expert testimony, cross-examination of witnesses and victims. The mock court was set up as it resembles the court room with seating arrangements. The simulated case was about property disputes, cheating and forgery filed under sections 323, 352 and 420 of IPC. The examination in chief was conducted by the prosecutor followed by cross-examination from defense regarding the registering of complaints, investigation procedure, collection of specimens and requisition for examination of handwriting and fingerprint found on the documents. Further, expert testimony was given by scientific officer and fingerprint expert regarding disputed handwriting and fingerprint present on the will. Even the procedure of cross examination was also followed. The moderator took over the session and gave her opinion about the proceeding conducted by the students. The argument between the prosecutor and defense against themselves shall be avoided or refrained, more number of witnesses can be examined to have clear trial she said.

Students expressed that the demonstrative session on mock court trial was very informative wherein it helped them to gain more information about the proceedings. Altogether, 23 students and 2 faculties were present during the session. The session concluded at 1.00pm with a vote of thanks.