Integrating Pollen Analysis in Forensic Botany: Legal and Practical Recommendations for Criminal Justice in Arab Countries

Raed S. A. Faqir

https://doi.org/10.62271/pjc.171.1383.1395

Abstract

This study explores the integration of pollen and spore analysis techniques within contemporary forensic botany to enhance criminal investigations and identify perpetrators. It underscores the significance of botanical evidence as a product of technological advancements, particularly in forensic botany. The research emphasizes the precision and reliability of botanical evidence, highlighting its superiority over traditional forms of evidence due to its longevity and resistance to tampering. Despite the absence of explicit provisions in many criminal procedural systems, the study advocates for the inclusion of pollen analysis techniques, considering their practicality, safety, and legitimacy. The study finds that botanical evidence effectively determines crime-related locations but needs additional support and safeguards. It recommends adding provisions in Arab penal laws for pollen analysis, assigning its examination to public prosecution in specific crimes, creating a national plant distribution database, and developing a legislative framework to protect individual rights while using botanical evidence in criminal justice.

Keywords:  Botanical evidence, Pollen analysis, Forensic botany, Crime investigation, Legal and Laboratory safeguards, Legislative framework, Criminal justice