Indian Journal of Law and Human Behavior

Medical negligence cases often involve complex medical and legal issues, requiring a delicate balance between judicial interpretation and expert medical opinion. The lack of decisive judgments, particularly in cases like Dr. Suresh Gupta vs Govt. of NCT of Delhi & Anr and Jacob Mathew vs State of Punjab, raises questions about the adequacy of justice delivered. The absence of decisive judgments in complex medical negligence cases undermines the quality of justice and fails to ensure accountability or improve medical standards. A more balanced approach, incorporating expert medical opinion and addressing both legal and medical aspects, is essential for delivering equitable justice.

Aging is a journey which is common for all who have taken birth. As we age there are certain complexities, we all have to face. A fall for an older individual can lead to a fractured hip. A constant vigilant watch is required on many elderly people particularly with dementia, paranoia and unpredictable behavior like forgetting medicines or walking out of the homes. These are a few of many challenges that the older generation face. With the advent of smart wearable devices, help can be provided quickly and they can also be a life savior. In this chapter we have pointed out the benefits of using wearable devices and their impact on the older generation. Nursing and old age homes are not the solution to old age rather being independent and aging gracefully can lead to an inspirational footprint that one can leave behind.
 

DNA evidence transformed forensic science by giving criminal trials an extremely precise method to connect people to crime scenes. DNA Profiling technology has made verdicts more dependable which results in effective prosecution and the release of innocent people who were previously convicted due to mishandling of the evidence. Though DNA evidence provides precise forensic results it retains inherent imperfections. Misinterpretation of results combined with sample contamination from improper conditions and collection errors can cause innocent people to be convicted which damages the credibility of the justice system. The research evaluated the scientific principles behind DNA evidence while analyzing how reliable forensic techniques are like Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis function alongside their respective limitations. The investigation assesses the role of DNA evidence within judicial processes while analyzing the admissibility standards including the Daubert Standard in the USA alongside Section 39 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. DNA profiling has greatly improved criminal justice procedures although concerns about its improper application persist. The study presents an evaluation of wrongful convictions caused by flawed forensic analysis that stresses the importance of strong procedural rules alongside judicial expertise and ethical protections. The research indicates that regulatory frameworks must be established to maximize forensic DNA evidence benefits while minimizing related errors and privacy.

Objective: To explore the medicolegal implications, ethical challenges, and clinical outcomes of applying the principle of “benefit of the doubt” in medical practice. Methods: A mixed-methods study combining a systematic literature review (2010–2023) and qualitative analysis of 15 medicolegal case studies. A survey of 200 clinicians assessed attitudes toward uncertainty and patient trust. Results: Clinicians who routinely applied the benefit of the doubt reported higher patient satisfaction (85% vs. 62% in control groups) but faced 30% higher medicolegal risks. Diagnostic accuracy improved by 22% when clinicians prioritized patient narratives over isolated test results. Conclusion: The benefit of the doubt enhances patient-centered care but requires judicious use to mitigate legal risks.

Medicine is an ‘Art& a Science’ was the first thing that we were taught in Medical College UG curriculum. However, as we moved along, the thrust of the teaching was only on the science part of Medicine. The art part of Medicine was never taught in a structured manner. So, half of Medicine was actually not, part of the curriculum. It was learnt by observing our teachers & seniors. The sad part is that over the decades, the art of Medicine appears to have faded away or may be, it has acquired a different colour. Both the components of Medicine (Art & Science) are dynamic. They are expected to change with the passage of time & the everchanging world. We need to examine their journey across decades to see if there is a conscious need for some course correction. The authors have, out of their experiences & observations, divided the study into 3 phases – the past (i.e., the last 2-3 decades of the last millennium), the present (i.e., the first 2-3 decades of the present millennium) and the future (i.e., the subsequent decades yet to come). Of course, there are overlaps but they are being ignored for the sake of simplicity.