Analysing and exemplifying forensic conclusion criteria in terms of Bayesian decision theory
There is ongoing discussion in forensic science and the law about the nature of the conclusions reached based on scientific evidence, and on how such conclusions – and conclusion criteria – may be justified by rational argument. Examples, among others, are encountered in fields such as fingermarks (e.g., ‘this fingermark comes from Mr. A's left thumb’), handwriting examinations (e.g., ‘the questioned signature is that of Mr. A’), kinship analyses (e.g., ‘Mr. A is the father of child C’) or anthropology (e.g., ‘these are human remains'). (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - July 29, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: A. Biedermann, S. Bozza, F. Taroni Source Type: research
Forensic science and the right to access to justice: Testing the efficacy of self-examination intimate DNA swabs to enhance victim-centred responses to sexual violence in low-resource environments
In developed countries, DNA profiling routinely forms part of the forensic strategy in the investigation of sexual violence. Medical examinations provide opportunities for recovering DNA evidence from intimate swabs, which can be particularly probative in cases where the identity of the perpetrator is unknown and proof of intercourse between two people is required. In low-resource environments, such as developing countries, remote geographic locations, conflict (and post-conflict) affected regions and displaced communities where access to medical examinations is lacking, DNA evidence is not available to support prosecution...
Source: Science and Justice - July 28, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Lisa L. Smith, Jon H. Wetton, Gurdeep K.M. Lall, Heather D. Flowe, Mark A. Jobling Source Type: research
Strengthening forensic DNA decision making through a better understanding of the influence of cognitive bias
Cognitive bias may influence process flows and decision making steps in forensic DNA analyses and interpretation. Currently, seven sources of bias have been identified that may affect forensic decision making with roots in human nature; environment, culture, and experience; and case specific information. Most of the literature and research on cognitive bias in forensic science has focused on patterned evidence; however, forensic DNA testing is not immune to bias, especially when subjective interpretation is involved. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - July 28, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Amy M. Jeanguenat, Bruce Budowle, Itiel E. Dror Source Type: research
Dead weight: Validation of mass regression equations on experimentally burned skeletal remains to assess skeleton completeness
In very fragmentary remains, the thorough inventory of skeletal elements is often impossible to accomplish. Mass has been used instead to assess the completeness of the skeleton. Two different mass-based methods of assessing skeleton completeness were tested on a sample of experimentally burned skeletons with the objective of determining which of them is more reliable. The first method was based on a simple comparison of the mass of each individual skeleton with previously published mass references. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - July 26, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: D. Gon çalves, J. d'Oliveira Coelho, A. Amarante, C. Makhoul, I. Oliveira-Santos, D. Navega, E. Cunha Source Type: research
Score based procedures for the calculation of forensic likelihood ratios – Scores should take account of both similarity and typicality
Score based procedures for the calculation of forensic likelihood ratios are popular across different branches of forensic science. They have two stages, first a function or model which takes measured features from known-source and questioned-source pairs as input and calculates scores as output, then a subsequent model which converts scores to likelihood ratios. We demonstrate that scores which are purely measures of similarity are not appropriate for calculating forensically interpretable likelihood ratios. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - July 25, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Geoffrey Stewart Morrison, Ewald Enzinger Source Type: research
Can we continue to effectively police digital crime?
Now approximately 30years old, the field of digital forensics is arguably facing some of its greatest challenges to date. Whilst currently supporting law enforcement in numerous criminal cases annually, questions are beginning to emerge regarding whether it can sustain this contribution, with digital crime remaining prevalent. In his first live interview in September 2015, Head of MI5, Andrew Parker indicated that individuals are now engaging in computing acts which are beyond the control of authorities, confirming earlier remarks made by British Prime Minister David Cameron in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo attacks. (Sourc...
Source: Science and Justice - July 24, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Graeme Horsman Tags: Review Source Type: research
Practical evaluation of an RNA-based saliva identification method
Identifying saliva in samples found at crime scenes is important to clarify the tissue origin of DNA obtained for identification of individuals. Recently, a novel messenger RNA-based approach using two saliva-specific markers, Statherin (STATH) and Histatin 3 (HTN3), has been reported. This method can identify saliva more specifically than conventional amylase-based methods. Here, we performed several evaluations related to applying this method to real-world forensic work. First, we evaluated the effects of exposure to blue light (450nm) or to the reagent on Phadebas paper, which are direct methods used to locate saliva st...
Source: Science and Justice - July 14, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Ken Watanabe, Tomoko Akutsu, Ayari Takamura, Koichi Sakurada Tags: Technical note Source Type: research
Recognition of computerized facial approximations by familiar assessors
Studies testing the effectiveness of facial approximations typically involve groups of participants who are unfamiliar with the approximated individual(s). This limitation requires the use of photograph arrays including a picture of the subject for comparison to the facial approximation. While this practice is often necessary due to the difficulty in obtaining a group of assessors who are familiar with the approximated subject, it may not accurately simulate the thought process of the target audience (friends and family members) in comparing a mental image of the approximated subject to the facial approximation. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - June 26, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Adam H. Richard, Keith L. Monson Source Type: research
Conceptualising forensic science and forensic reconstruction. Part I: A conceptual model
There has been a call for forensic science to actively return to the approach of scientific endeavour. The importance of incorporating an awareness of the requirements of the law in its broadest sense, and embedding research into both practice and policy within forensic science, is arguably critical to achieving such an endeavour. This paper presents a conceptual model (FoRTE) that outlines the holistic nature of trace evidence in the ‘endeavour’ of forensic reconstruction. This model offers insights into the different components intrinsic to transparent, reproducible and robust reconstructions in forensic science. (So...
Source: Science and Justice - June 19, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: R.M. Morgan Source Type: research
Conceptualising forensic science and forensic reconstruction. Part II: The critical interaction between research, policy/law and practice
This paper builds on the FoRTE conceptual model presented in part I to address the forms of knowledge that are integral to the four components of the model. Articulating the different forms of knowledge within effective forensic reconstructions is valuable. It enables a nuanced approach to the development and use of evidence bases to underpin decision-making at every stage of a forensic reconstruction by enabling transparency in the reporting of inferences. It also enables appropriate methods to be developed to ensure quality and validity. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - June 18, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: R.M. Morgan Source Type: research
Editorial Board
(Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - June 12, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research
Events Guide
(Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - June 12, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research
Council Information
(Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - June 12, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research
Variation of δ2H, δ18O & δ13C in crude palm oil from different regions in Malaysia: Potential of stable isotope signatures as a key traceability parameter
A total of 33 crude palm oil samples were randomly collected from different regions in Malaysia. Stable carbon isotopic composition ( δ13C) was determined using Flash 2000 elemental analyzer while hydrogen and oxygen isotopic compositions (δ2H and δ18O) were analyzed by Thermo Finnigan TC/EA, wherein both instruments were coupled to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer. The bulk δ2H, δ18O and δ13C of the samples were analyzed by Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Orthogonal Partial Least Square-Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA). (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - June 3, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Syahidah Akmal Muhammad, Eng-Keng Seow, AK Mohd Omar, Ainolsyakira Mohd Rodhi, Hasnuri Mat Hassan, Japareng Lalung, Sze-Chi Lee, Baharudin Ibrahim Source Type: research
Blast injury prevalence in skeletal remains: Are there differences between Bosnian war samples and documented combat-related deaths?
Court cases at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) have seen questions raised about the recognition and causes of blast-related trauma and the relationship to human rights abuses or combat. During trials, defence teams argued that trauma was combat related and prosecutors argued that trauma was related to executions. We compared a sample of 81 cases (males between 18 and 75) from a Bosnian mass grave investigation linked to the Kravica warehouse killings to published combat-related blast injury data from World War One, Vietnam, Northern Ireland, the first Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom a...
Source: Science and Justice - June 3, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Marie Christine Dussault, Ian Hanson, Martin J. Smith Source Type: research
