Response to “A study of the perception of verbal expressions of the strength of evidence”
We would like to respond to the recent paper “Understanding forensic expert evaluative evidence: A study of the perception of verbal expressions of the strength of evidence”, by Arscott et al. [1]. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - December 6, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Charles E.H. Berger, Reinoud D. Stoel Tags: Letter of the Editor Source Type: research
A comparison of penetration and damage caused by different types of arrowheads on loose and tight fit clothing
This study aimed to highlight the penetration capabilities of aluminium arrows into soft tissue and bones in the presence of clothing. Further from that, how the type and fit of clothing as well as arrowhead type contribute to penetration capacity. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - December 1, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Nichole MacPhee, Anne Savage, Nikolas Noton, Eilidh Beattie, Louise Milne, Joanna Fraser Source Type: research
Profiling the scent of weathered training aids for blood-detection dogs
In this study, blood was deposited onto concrete and varnished wood surfaces and weathered in an outdoor environment over a three-month period. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - November 28, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Baree Chilcote, LaTara Rust, Katie D. Nizio, Shari L. Forbes Source Type: research
A study of the intermolecular interactions of lipid components from analogue fingerprint residues
A compositionally simplified analogue of a latent fingermark was created by combining single representatives of each major component of a natural fingermark. Further modified analogues were also produced each having one component removed. The aim of this study was to investigate the intermolecular interactions that occurred within these analogue samples using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Microspectroscopy. FT-IR microspectroscopy showed that the absence of squalene and cholesterol significantly restricted the interactions between the other organic constituents within the analogue samples. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - November 27, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Andrew Johnston, Keith Rogers Source Type: research
Corrigendum to “Preventing miscarriages of justice: A review of forensic firearm identification” [Sci. Justice 56 (2) (2016) 129–142]
The author of the above paper would like to point out some errorsin the published article. These errors and their corrections are detailed below: (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - November 20, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Rachel S. Bolton-King Source Type: research
A comparison of plastic cable ties based on physical, chemical and stable isotopic measurements
Plastic cable ties can be utilised in a range of serious criminal activities and a comparison of cable ties, or fragments, may form part of the physical evidence presented to a Court of law. This research assessed the potential value of evidence based on the analysis of plastic cable ties. Twenty packets of black coloured plastic cable ties (nominally 200mm ×4.8mm) were purchased in pack sizes ranging from 25 to 100 individual cable ties (Brisbane, Australia, March 2015). Representative samples from each packet were visually examined, compared and tested to determine their physical dimensions, chemical compositions and st...
Source: Science and Justice - November 13, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Lisa M. Nienaber, Sarah L. Cresswell, James F. Carter, Tony Peter Source Type: research
The introduction of forensic advisors in Belgium and their role in the criminal justice system
Forensic advisors (FA) at the National Institute for Criminalistics and Criminology (NICC), generalists in forensic science, act as an advising body to the magistrate to improve communication between the various parties involved in the investigation: magistrate, police and crime scene investigators, and forensic experts. Their role is manifold, but their main objectives are to optimise trace processing by selecting the most pertinent traces in the context of the case and by advising magistrates on the feasibility of forensic analyses in particular circumstances in regards to the latest technical advances. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - November 9, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Sonja Bitzer, Laetitia Heudt, Aur élie Barret, Lore George, Karolien Van Dijk, Fabrice Gason, Bertrand Renard Source Type: research
Validation studies in forensic odontology – Part 1: Accuracy of radiographic matching
This study used a web-based interface with 50 pairs of AM and PM radiographs from real casework, at varying degrees of difficulty. Participants were shown both radiographs as a pair and initially asked to decide if they represented the same individual using a yes/no binary choice forced-decision. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - November 8, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Mark Page, Russell Lain, Richard Kemp, Jane Taylor Source Type: research
Editorial
Three years is a long time in forensic science. That ’s how long I have had the priviledge of leading Science& Justice. This then, my final Editorial, is a pleasure to write. Not because I ’m relieved to be handing the duties over, but rather because I am able to do so with the Journal is very good health and proud of the achievements that the Science& Justice team have achieved. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - November 1, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Tim Thompson Source Type: research
IFC: Editorial Board
(Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - November 1, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research
BM1: Events Guide
(Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - November 1, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research
BM2: Council Information
(Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - November 1, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research
