Interrelation between Criminal Law and Technology

Interrelation between Criminal Law and Technology

Author: Sanya Goel, BBA LLB 2nd year , Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Management Studies, New Delhi 

Introduction 

“Computers are going to take over certain legal tasks—the practice of law will focus more on advice.”

-Ricardo Anzaldua

The relationship between law and technology is becoming more important in our rapidly changing digital world. As technology shapes our lives, legal frameworks need to adjust to balance innovation and societal welfare. This article explores how law and technology intersect and impact each other.

Law is a system of rules that governs behavior in a society. It establishes structure and order by regulating different aspects of human interaction, such a contracts and property rights, criminal offences, and civil disputes. Law plays an important role in maintaining justice and ensuring that individuals are accountable for their actions . It is a crucial component of every modern society, and violation of the laws set forth can lead to penalties and sanctions. 

Let us see example how technology evolved criminal law system .

GPS AND GIS system

In this modern world maps modernised with GPS and GIS technology have been used as a considerable tool in legal action. Many murder cases are solved by police offices tracking cell phones of victims . The growth of geospatial technologies has made GIS and GPS a trusted ‘partner’ for police officers. 

Gunshot Detection system 

Gunshot detection systems use acoustic sensing technology to identify, discriminate, and report gunshots to the police within seconds of the shot being fired. A gunshot detection system is comprised of sensors to detect the sound of a gunshot, transmitters to send a message to the police dispatch centre, and a computer to receive and display that message.

 Digital Forensic 

Digital forensics is a process that helps investigators gather evidence from digital devices, tools and infrastructures for criminal investigations. This technique has been used in many cases. Most famous case which was solved with the help of digital forensic was BTK killer case.

 In this case BTK killer (Dennis Rader), tortured and killed at least ten people while he was undiscovered. He used to send cryptic messages to police during his killings. Finally, it was the habit which led to his arrest. He sent the police a Microsoft word document and digital forensics experts were able to trace the metadata contained within the disk and detected his true identity, he as finally arrested and imprisoned shortly after this.

CMAPS

Delhi government has collaborated with ISRO to create a new technology called Crime Mapping Analytics and Predictive System (CMAPS). This initiative will use space technology to help control crime and maintain law and order.

Conclusion

In the present era, it is essential for law enforcement to have access to the latest technological advances in order to effectively investigate crimes. Many technologies are currently in use, but continual upgrading is necessary to ensure that these tools are used responsibly. Technology has been a tremendous boon for society, but there have been times where misuse of these tools has occurred. For the safety of all involved, it is important that we work together to pass legislation specific to technology usage and development within our own country.

SOURCES

1. https://www.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh241/files/archives/ncjrs/fs000201.pdf

2. https://www.practicepanther.com/blog/what-new-technologies-has-to-do-with-criminal-justice/

3. https://legaldesire.com/exploring-the-intersection-of-law-and-technology/

4. https://blog.ipleaders.in/role-use-technology-police-criminal-investigation/