Forensic Evidence

Abstract

SCIENCE AND THE CRIMINAL LAW Science and the Legal Process Forensic Science Questions Forensic Science and Circumstantial Evidence Forensic Science, Forensic Evidence, and the Modern Crime Scene Scientific Foundations and the Courts Science and the Courts Frye v. United States Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals General Electric v. Joiner Kumho Tire v. Carmichael People v. Sutherland: A Case Study The Sutherland Case Facts The Prosecution's Forensic Evidence: The Tire Tracks The Prosecution's Forensic Evidence: The Hair Evidence The Prosecution's Forensic Evidence: The Fiber Evidence The Court's Analysis: The Hairs and Fibers The Sutherland Case: The Court's Analyses Sutherland II Case Sutherland Conclusion Appendix: Daubert Progeny Endnotes SCIENCE, FORENSIC SCIENCE, AND EVIDENCE Introduction Forensic Science and Evidence Forensic Evidence and History Forensic Evidence and the Crime Scene Forensic Evidence Basics Forensic Evidence and Circumstantial Evidence Forensic Science, Probability, and the Law Forensic Science and the Courts: Frye, Daubert, and Beyond Basic Questions Related to Forensic Science and Forensic Evidence Class and Individual Characteristics Laboratory Matches and Courtroom Rules of Evidence Conclusion Endnotes HAIR ANALYSES Introduction Hair Analysis Basics Discovery Issues Matching Statements Recent Case Discussions: Qualifications Prosecutorial Characterizations of Hair Testimony Mitochondrial DNA [mtDNA] and Hair Analysis The Evidence on the Petition for New Trial Conclusion Endnotes FIBER ANALYSIS Introduction Fiber Evidence in the Courtroom Discovery Wayne Williams Case Additional Fiber Cases Fiber Persistence Conclusion Endnotes BALLISTICS AND TOOL MARKS Introduction Ballistics and Forensic Evidence Ballistics Experts: Qualifications Weapon Identification Computer-Generated Animation of Crime Scenes Bullet Ricochet Angle of Shoot Bullet Matching Bullet Lead Matching - ICP Methodology Incompetence of Counsel Gunshot Residue Suicide vs. Homicide Tool Marks Conclusion Endnotes SOIL, GLASS, AND PAINT Glass, Paint, and Soil in the Courtroom Glass Analysis Glass in the Courtroom Paint Analysis Soil Analysis Soil and Cadaver Dogs Soil and Forensic Archeology Conclusion Endnotes FOOTPRINTS, TIRE IMPRESSIONS, AND BITE MARKS Introduction Foot Impressions in the Courtroom Footwear Cases Expert vs. Nonexpert Opinion Barefoot Impression Evidence Footwear Impression for Indigent Defendant Footwear-Impression Testimony Footwear Trails Indirect Proof of Footwear Impression Tire Impressions Bite-Mark Impressions Bite Marks: Enhanced Imaging and Overlays Endnotes Notes FINGERPRINTS Introduction International Working Groups Fingerprints: American Experience Fingerprint Questions Fingerprint Foundations Fingerprints: Daubert Challenges Fingerprints: Digital Print Machines Fingerprints: Discovery of Automated Fingerprint System Printouts Fingerprints: Absence of Fingerprints Time and Place Requirements Lip Marks Ear Impressions Endnotes BLOOD -SPATTER ANALYSIS Introduction Blood Spatter: Presumptive Tests for Blood Blood Spatter in the Courtroom Blood Spatter: Expert Qualifications Blood Spatter: Crime Scene Dynamics Endnotes Notes DNA ANALYSIS Introduction DNA Research Resources DNA: International Standards DNA: Questions for Lawyers DNA Methodologies: RFLP PCR DNA Methodologies STR DNA Methodologies Project Summary DNA Mixture Cases Mitochondrial DNA: MtDNA Nonhuman DNA DNA Related Cases: Post-Conviction Testing and Mandatory Submission of DNA Post-Conviction DNA Testing DNA Samples John Doe DNA Warrants The Future of DNA Testing Endnotes FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY AND ENTOMOLOGY Introduction Forensic Anthropology Forensic Anthropology Cases Racial or Ethnic Identification Individual Identifications Forensic Anthropology: Photography Cultural Anthropology Forensic Entomology Entomology Cases Conclusion Endnotes EPILOGUE INDEX