Forensic Evidence - Revision history

Ibjadmin at 09:55, 17 April 2012

2012-04-17T09:55:41Z

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Ibjadmin at 09:53, 17 April 2012

2012-04-17T09:53:21Z

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	How accurate is forensic analysis?		'''How accurate is forensic analysis?'''
	Learn more about the reliability of each type of forensic analysis.		Learn more about the reliability of each type of forensic analysis.
	[[File:Dna.jpg]][http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=0 DNA]		[[File:Dna.jpg]][http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=0 DNA]
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	[[File:Car.jpg]][http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=6 Pattern and impression]		[[File:Car.jpg]][http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=6 Pattern and impression]
	[[File:Bullet.jpg]][http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=7 Bullet lead composition]		[[File:Bullet.jpg]][http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=7 Bullet lead composition]
	original sources The Washington Post, on 16 April 2012		original sources The Washington Post, 16 April 2012
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Ibjadmin at 09:49, 17 April 2012

2012-04-17T09:49:00Z

Ibjadmin at 09:29, 17 April 2012

2012-04-17T09:29:44Z

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			How accurate is forensic analysis?
			Learn more about the reliability of each type of forensic analysis.
			[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=0 DNA]
			[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=1 Fingerprint]
			[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=2 Handwriting]
			[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=3 Polygraph]
			[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=4 Firearm evidence]
			[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=5 Hair and fiber]
			[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=6 Pattern and impression]
			[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=7 Bullet lead composition]
			original sources The Washington Post, on 16 April 2012
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	==Background==		==Background==

Ibjadmin: /* Case History #1 */

2011-05-10T13:52:51Z

Case History #1

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	Crime scene contamination results through the actions of the personnel at the crime scene. In general, the greater the number of personnel at the scene, the more likely it is that the scene/evidence will be severely contaminated. Public security officials or other investigators or individuals can deposit hairs, fibers or trace material from their clothing or destroy latent footwear or fingerprints. Footwear patterns can also be deposited by crime scene officers or anyone entering the scene. As the Law of Exchange has taught us, when two objects come in contact with each other they exchange trace evidence. Each time someone enters a crime scene, they not only leave trace evidence behind, but also take evidence away from the scene.		Crime scene contamination results through the actions of the personnel at the crime scene. In general, the greater the number of personnel at the scene, the more likely it is that the scene/evidence will be severely contaminated. Public security officials or other investigators or individuals can deposit hairs, fibers or trace material from their clothing or destroy latent footwear or fingerprints. Footwear patterns can also be deposited by crime scene officers or anyone entering the scene. As the Law of Exchange has taught us, when two objects come in contact with each other they exchange trace evidence. Each time someone enters a crime scene, they not only leave trace evidence behind, but also take evidence away from the scene.
	Even if a reliable chain of evidence may be established by the prosecution at trial, physical evidence may have been altered prior to or during its collection and examination. A criminal defender should understand that there is usually some contamination of every crime scene; this fact should be argued whenever possible, and used to the clients’ advantage.		Even if a reliable chain of evidence may be established by the prosecution at trial, physical evidence may have been altered prior to or during its collection and examination. A criminal defender should understand that there is usually some contamination of every crime scene; this fact should be argued whenever possible, and used to the clients’ advantage.
	~~===Case History #1===~~
	In April 2003, a woman was attacked with a knife in her home while she was sleeping, and suffered serious injuries. She was not able to identify her attacker(s). Initially she had claimed that three people had attacked her. However, at trial, the prosecution claimed that only one man had attacked the victim – the defendant. A few days after the incident the defendant was arrested for attempted murder. He became a suspect because his family had previously been involved in a civil case with the victim’s family, although his family had been successful in the civil case, and because he lived in the same apartment building as the victim.

	On May 10, after several days of interrogation, the defendant confessed to attacking the victim while she was sleeping. A picture was taken on May 15 at the scene of the attack, which showed a left footprint of a particularly well known brand of shoe, approximately the same size as that of the defendant. The police search the defendant’s home, but could not find the shoes.

	There had been no indication of a footprint at the scene prior to the defendant’s confession, and no explanation as to why the photograph was taken a month after the attack. The potential of contamination of the crime scene was very great, given the number of people that had access to the scene during the month after the attack.

	~~The defendant was convicted, but the case has been appealed.~~

	==Investigation and Evaluation Procedures==		==Investigation and Evaluation Procedures==
	The following are a description of select procedures that can be utilized to investigate, evaluate and test physical evidence for use in criminal cases.		The following are a description of select procedures that can be utilized to investigate, evaluate and test physical evidence for use in criminal cases.

Ibjadmin: /* Scene of Crime */

2011-05-10T13:44:14Z

Scene of Crime

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	The following are a description of select procedures that can be utilized to investigate, evaluate and test physical evidence for use in criminal cases.		The following are a description of select procedures that can be utilized to investigate, evaluate and test physical evidence for use in criminal cases.
	===Scene of Crime===		===Scene of Crime===
	Much of the physical evidence that is ultimately utilized in court is taken from the scene of the crime. While this information can be invaluable in ascertaining the truth in a criminal case, certain procedures must be followed in order to ensure the utility and integrity of this evidence. The validity of forensic evidence is only as good as the manner in which it was (1) collected, (2) preserved and transported, and (3) analyzed. It is critical that when crime scene evidence is presented, a defender investigate and challenge the way the evidence was obtained and tested.		Much of the physical evidence that is ultimately utilized in court is taken from the [[Overview of Crime Scene Investigation\|scene of the crime]]. While this information can be invaluable in ascertaining the truth in a criminal case, certain procedures must be followed in order to ensure the utility and integrity of this evidence. The validity of forensic evidence is only as good as the manner in which it was (1) collected, (2) preserved and transported, and (3) analyzed. It is critical that when crime scene evidence is presented, a defender investigate and challenge the way the evidence was obtained and tested.
	In major crimes like a homicide, investigators must gather evidence to determine:		In major crimes like a homicide, investigators must gather evidence to determine:
	#Who killed the victim?		#Who killed the victim?

Ibjadmin: /* Challenging the Prosecution’s Cas= */

2011-05-10T13:42:41Z

Challenging the Prosecution’s Cas=

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	Cars can frequently be used as weapons in homicide cases, whether the driver was drunk, on drugs, reckless or intended to kill his/ her victim. Forensic scientists can play a vital role when it comes to collecting and analyzing evidence to determine what happened. Investigators look for evidence to verify how fast the car was going, in what direction the car was moving, and whether the driver tried to brake. All this evidence can help the court to determine whether a crime was committed.		Cars can frequently be used as weapons in homicide cases, whether the driver was drunk, on drugs, reckless or intended to kill his/ her victim. Forensic scientists can play a vital role when it comes to collecting and analyzing evidence to determine what happened. Investigators look for evidence to verify how fast the car was going, in what direction the car was moving, and whether the driver tried to brake. All this evidence can help the court to determine whether a crime was committed.

	==Challenging the Prosecution’s ~~Cas=~~==		==Challenging the Prosecution’s Case==
	===Evaluating the Presence or Absence of Physical and Forensic Evidence===		===Evaluating the Presence or Absence of Physical and Forensic Evidence===

Ibjadmin: /* Cars as Weapons */

2011-05-10T13:42:27Z

Cars as Weapons

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 ===Cars as Weapons===
 Cars can frequently be used as weapons in homicide cases, whether the driver was drunk, on drugs, reckless or intended to kill his/ her victim.  Forensic scientists can play a vital role when it comes to collecting and analyzing evidence to determine what happened.  Investigators look for evidence to verify how fast the car was going, in what direction the car was moving, and whether the driver tried to brake.  All this evidence can help the court to determine whether a crime was committed.
 ==Conclusion==
 As we stated at the beginning of this outline, there are many things a lawyer can do to confront forensic evidence used against their client.  Indeed, in many instances the lawyer may be able to use such evidence to his advantage.  The first step is always to conduct extensive, detailed interviews with your client, to alert you to possible defenses, and the existence of evidence which may help to advance the defense or refute the prosecution’s case.   It is also vital to completely understand the prosecution’s case against your client – the witness statements, statements of your client, and any physical evidence and scientific reports.  An understanding of investigative techniques and forensic science will help the defender to see where further investigation or testing may be required, and where experts may be of assistance to properly prepare and present a persuasive, consistent defense theory to the court.  Expert witnesses can provide valuable assistance to criminal defenders by helping them to understand complex scientific, valuation, authenticity and other highly specialized issues and by assisting them in putting this complex information into a format that is both persuasive and easy to understand.  Additionally, experts can help lawyers critically assess the weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and create a defense theory that will successfully refute it.  Expert witnesses should be regarded as vital members of the defense team in any case where their knowledge, education and experience can be utilized to explain why the prosecution’s version of events is incorrect.

Ibjadmin: /* Conclusion */

2011-05-10T13:24:42Z

Conclusion

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	----		----
	See [[Evidence]]		See [[Evidence]], [[Unvalidated or Improper Forensic Science]]

Ibjadmin: /* Conclusion */

2011-05-10T13:24:06Z

Conclusion

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	By carefully investigating the case, analyzing the evidence, reviewing any tests, and being creative in thought, a skilled defender can successfully challenge forensic evidence, and often use it to their client’s advantage in court.		By carefully investigating the case, analyzing the evidence, reviewing any tests, and being creative in thought, a skilled defender can successfully challenge forensic evidence, and often use it to their client’s advantage in court.


			----
			See [[Evidence]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:49, 17 April 2012
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	How accurate is forensic analysis?		How accurate is forensic analysis?
	Learn more about the reliability of each type of forensic analysis.		Learn more about the reliability of each type of forensic analysis.
	[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=0 DNA]		[[File:Dna.jpg]][http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=0 DNA]
	[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=1 Fingerprint]		[[File:Print.jpg]][http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=1 Fingerprint]
	[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=2 Handwriting]		[[File:Hand.jpg]][http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=2 Handwriting]
	[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=3 Polygraph]		[[File:Poli.jpg]][http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=3 Polygraph]
	[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=4 Firearm evidence]		[[File:Gun.jpg]][http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=4 Firearm evidence]
	[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=5 Hair and fiber]		[[File:Hair.jpg]][http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=5 Hair and fiber]
	[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=6 Pattern and impression]		[[File:Car.jpg]][http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=6 Pattern and impression]
	[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=7 Bullet lead composition]		[[File:Bullet.jpg]][http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/forensic-analysis-methods/?tab=7 Bullet lead composition]
	original sources The Washington Post, on 16 April 2012		original sources The Washington Post, on 16 April 2012
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	==Background==		==Background==