Human rights are fundamental principles underlying criminal justice systems. The protection of these rights has been significantly strengthened by advances in life sciences, including biology, genetics, physiology, and forensic medicine. The application of life sciences in criminal investigations provides accurate scientific evidence, reduces judicial errors, and supports justice, thereby safeguarding human dignity. ⸻ Concept of Life Sciences and Their Relation to Criminal Law Life sciences involve the study of living organisms, their structure, functions, and interactions. In criminal law, their application helps in understanding injuries, causes of death, and biological traces of crime, ensuring decisions are based on scientific evidence rather than assumptions or coercion. ⸻ Role in Protecting the Right to Life Forensic medicine and physiology contribute to accurately determining causes of death, whether natural or criminal. This role is essential in protecting the right to life by preventing concealment of homicide and wrongful attribution of death to innocent individuals. ⸻ Prevention of Torture and Ill-Treatment Medical and biological examinations play a critical role in documenting evidence of torture or abuse. Histological and physiological analyses help: • Confirm intentional injuries • Determine their timing • Distinguish torture-related injuries from accidental ones Thus, life sciences protect the right to bodily integrity and human dignity. ⸻ Life Sciences and Fair Criminal Justice Biological evidence, particularly DNA analysis, is among the most accurate tools in criminal investigations. It helps to: • Convict actual perpetrators • Exonerate the innocent • Reduce reliance on forced confessions This strengthens the right to a fair trial. ⸻ Protection of Victims’ and Suspects’ Rights Life sciences ensure objective and unbiased handling of both victims and suspects. Scientific evidence supports victims in proving crimes while protecting suspects from wrongful accusations or unjust punishment. ⸻ Role in Investigating Crimes Against Humanity In cases of mass graves, genocide, and armed conflicts, life sciences play a vital role in: • Identifying victims • Determining causes of death • Providing scientific evidence for international courts Contributing to accountability and the protection of human rights worldwide. ⸻ Conclusion Life sciences are a cornerstone in the criminal protection of human rights. By providing precise scientific tools for truth-finding and justice, they prevent human rights violations and ensure that legal systems uphold human dignity through evidence-based decisions. Al-Mustaqbal University – the first university in Iraq.
  SDG4