Residues of forensic and legal interest in veterinary laboratory: Review

Abstract

Residues are the main element used by researchers in veterinary medical expertise. They are found at crime scenes and can be classified by various materials used as a means of evidence. This article aims to classify, identify, interpret and discuss the main types of residues of interest in legal and forensic expertise in veterinarian laboratories. In this review paper, research was carried out using articles, scientific reviews, dissertations, theses and books on the repositories Pubmed, Google Scholar, Scielo and Latindex. Investigation techniques are fundamental in the discovery of the authorship and materiality of crimes. The crime scene is the source of the residues left during the criminal act and the success of the investigation is determined by their identification, classification, interpretation and detailed analysis. Residues are the raw materials found and/or collected from the crime scene, related to the court exhibits. In forensic investigations, there are always several traces made up of different elements of physical, chemical or biological origin, which may or may not be related to the criminal act; such matters are explored in the veterinary medical expertise. Investigations provide necessary data for the preparation of expert reports, which are great tools for the judicial authorities. The evaluation of residues begins when arriving from the crime scene, and it must be decided which traces can be collected and sent for laboratory analysis. In the last century, there has been great evolution in the identification, preservation and chain of custody of residues and evidence, which help judicial processes. Collection, packaging and shipment is essential to maintaining the integrity and biosecurity of the samples. Therefore, the improvement of classification, identification and interpretation of residues is considered of great importance in legal and forensic investigation in cases involving animals.