Stabbing is the most common cause of homicide in the United Kingdom. Stabbing can be caused by so many objects, for example steak knives, scissors, screwdrivers, broken glass bottles and so on. The individual characteristics of these instruments create specific features when they penetrate a surface of fabrics and skin. When examining textile damages, two common techniques are considered i.e. macroscopically (with the naked eye) and microscopically examining the area that might have possible damages to the fabric. Also, looking at the characteristics of the area to discover whether the textile has been torn, punctured, cut etc... When examining textile damages, such information like the size of the knife blade and the types can be estimated. The more distinctive the weapon is, the more unique the features in any damaged apparel and therefore the stronger the association. In the blades of a weapon, the sharper ones will cut the fibres and yarns as it enters the fabric with little or no distortion; whereas the blunter ones maximises the distortion of the fabric and the disorder of the yarn and fibre ends. Scallops, imperfection and serration characteristics on the blade of a weapon increase fabric fraying and distortion. It has been reported that the dimensions on fabric when stabbed do not accurately reflect the dimensions of the knife blade. During a forensic investigation the scientist may compare a suspect’s knife with the holes on the victims clothing can provide clues and details of the offending knife. In carrying out either of the investigating, it is necessary to know if the dimensions of the knife blade are accurately reflected in the resultant stab-cut seen in the clothing. • Length: This is slightly less than the wi... ... middle of paper ... ...fold in material during the main cut. If a knife draws fabric into the wound, a fold will be produced. The fabric may then be cut at the fold, producing a small additional cut line with the main severance. Figure 1: Stab-type cut In order to find out that a particular weapon is responsible for the damage caused, then simulation experiments may be required. If a weapon is given, then simulation stab-cut, slashes should be examined in test clothing and the characteristics created is compared to the ‘crime scene’ damage. Damage analysis has proved to be successful in providing evidence in a wide variety of crimes. This proposal will explain the experimental aim and objectives, purpose, hypothesis, literature research, procedure and timeframe of the experiments.
The results of this experiment are shown in the compiled student data in Table 1 below.
Technical Working Group on Crime Scene Investigation (2000). Crime Scene Investigation: A Guide for Law Enforcement-Research Report (NCJ 178280). Retrieved from U.S. Department of Justice website: http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/lab/forensic-science-communications/fsc/april2000/twgcsi.pdf
285) These types of injuries usually come from knives, axes, or other weapons like that. In some instances, a sharp trauma will look like a line across the bone. So, if someone is not trained in knowing what these marks are, they can be easily over looked. According to Byers (2011) “sharp trauma is the result of narrowly focused, dynamic compression forces applied to the surface of a bone.” (p. 285) Unlike blunt or projectile trauma, sharp force will be focused in a single area, unless the suspect us using an ax or machete there won’t be a large amount destruction to the bones. Using an ax or machete however can severely damage the bones that can look like blunt trauma. So, it is important for the forensic anthropologist to be able to distinguish between them.
Going into details of the article, I realized that the necessary information needed to evaluate the experimental procedures were not included. However, when conducting an experiment, the independent and dependent variable are to be studied before giving a final conclusion.
Trace evidence is a study that identifies and compares specific types of evidence that can be transferred as a trace material during the commission of a brutal crime. Trace materials include animal hair, human hair, textured fibers and fabric, rope, feathers, soil, grass, and building materials. For animal hair and human hair, examinations are done to determine if the hair is either human or animal. If the hair is animal, then the species and breed can be determined. If the hair is human, racial characteristics, body area, length, root type, treatment, and dam...
The National Academy of Sciences (2009) was highly critical of a broad range of forensic disciplines, such as ballistics, hair and fiber analysis, impression evidence, handwriting analysis, and even fingerprint analysis. The academy concluded that there are problems with standardization, reliability, accuracy and error, and the potential for contextual bias.
The use of firearms in crimes has been rapidly increasing, and it seems that one cannot turn on the news without hearing that some crime had been committed with a firearm. Using ballistics as evidence is a way for law enforcement officers to help solve crimes and potentially capture criminals. Ballistics is a very complicated science, where every single detail matters. Every micro-measurement makes a difference when analyzing firearms and ballistics. The most complicated part when solving a crime involving firearms is the fact that no one can recreate the same exact shot. Even though it is an impossible task to do, experts can still duplicate scenarios and environments similar to the original crime, giving law enforcement more evidence to put
Tool mark analysis- This is where the forensic investigators will photograph or sketch (when the whole area can’t go to the lab) impressions made by tools used in the crime. At the lab, they will compare tools and marked objects to identify specific tools. 3 types of tool mark impressions are: compressions; pressed into soft materials, sliding; tool scrapes across surfaces, and cutting; a combination of both compression and sliding.
The trajectory of the bullets I fired into the victim are analyzed by experts. The intensity of the wound can determine how close I was when I fired. The gunpowder residue on the victim also indicates I was at point blank range. The bullet is extracted from the victim and processed. The make and caliber of the bullet can be determined so the police know what type of firearm I used. The rifling marks on the bullet will also match up to my weapon if they find it. Because of all my mistakes at the crime scene, police are able to find and apprehend
To understand the role and development of forensic ballistics in modern legal proceedings, this essay will examine the myriad of elements which in combination, create the whole that is forensic ballistics. Firstly, this essay will examine the historical development of forensic ballistics by examining multiple definitions of ballistics, by examining aspects of firearms and ballistic analysis, by discussing techniques used in ballistic identification and analysis, by discussing methods used to circumvent the evidence produced by ballistic analysis, and by examining a major case in which ballistic evidence was used in relation to the previous topics mentioned. Finally, this essay will produce a critical assessment of ballistics by examining and responding to modern court rulings, acknowledging mod...
Clothing and its means of production have gradually changed throughout the history of mankind; from simple rags made out of the skin of distinct type of animals, to intricate raiments made out of every fabric imaginable accompanied with vivid patterns only the human mind could contrive.
By reconstructing the crime scene using bloodstains (blood spatter), the investigators can learn many useful things to aid in their investigation. They can learn what weapons were used and the location, type, and number of wounds caused by that the weapon. Whether the victim defended or tried to escape the perpetrator, if the victim’s body was moved when deceased, and if the victim experienced postmortem violence (Swanson,
Numerous scenes warrant the utilization of an evidence vacuum in the scene to gather any potential micro-particle, for example, hair and filaments. This stride ought to be performed preceding any nearby in assessment of the victim.
The internal examination “(…), provides further documentation of the presence or absence of injury and/or disease” (Dolinak et al., 2005, p. 67). The analysis can identify characteristics of the wounds or injuries that could determinate the cause of manner of death and the study of the internal organs it helps to see how the external injuries connect to the internal injuries. Additionally, the examination of the organs and sample of body fluid are sent to a forensic toxicologist to determine if drug or poison could be the cause or contribute of death. Many times Forensic pathologist collaborate with other specialist who are training in toxicology, firearms/ballistics, trace evidence, serology (blood analysis), DNA technology, and odontology.
In homicides, suspicious deaths, and gun-shot related deaths, the body must not be fingerprinted prior to inspection of the hands ever. While fingerprinting, the hands are pryed open and the fingers are inked. In the course, evidence can be lost and/or false evidence placed. One can solidify tests for firearms’ residue unacceptable in prying apart fingers and fingerprinting a body. When fingerprinting is consequently done in homicides, it is suggested that palm prints also be taken. In all gunshot deaths, x-rays must be taken. X-rays are particularly important in cases in which the bullet seems to have exited. This is due to the circumstance that the bullet may not have exited but somewhat only a piece of the bullet or a piece of bone. With the semi-jacketed ammunition now in general use, it is not unusual for the lead core to exit the body and for the jacket to endure. The core is frequently of no interest forensically; it is the jacket that is important. The jacket may be reserved beneath the skin adjacent to the exit site. It is very cool to miss the jacket at autopsy unless one knows that it is there by