Forensic evidence applications

Sugita, R. and Marumo, Y. (2004). Unique particles in soil evidence, in Forensic Geoscience Principles, Techniques and Applications (K. Pye and D. J. Croft, Eds.). London Geological Society Special Publication 232, 97-102. 

Foreign uranium resources, 17 522 Foreman and Veatch cell, 9 664 Forensic analysts, certification of, 12 95 Forensic biology, 12 102-104 Forensic chemistry, 12 89-104 physical evidence in, 12 90-95 Forensic laboratories, local and state, 12 98 Forensics, liquid chromatography applications, 6 465 Forensic science laboratories, 12 95 Forensic science, supercritical fluid extraction in, 24 14 Forensic testing, 12 95-104 Forensic toxicology, interpretation of results in, 12 98... 

Trace analysis of explosives is of major importance in forensic and environmental applications [6]. In forensics, the applications include analysis of postexplosion residues and identification of traces of explosives on suspects hands, clothing and other related items. The results of these analyses are not only necessary for the investigation of a bombing but can also serve as evidence in court. 

Forensic Chemistry (Chemical Criminalistics). This branch of science relates to the application of chemical knowledge and techniques to die study of physical evidence connected with crime. Investigation of firearms, ammunition and expls is one of the duties of a forensic chemist Refs i) A. Lucas, "Forensic Chemistry and Scientific Criminal Investigation 1, Longmans, Green, London (1935), Chap 7, Explosives Chap 11, Fireworks 2) H. 

Unfortunately, there is at present no available textbook which combines a discussion of the relevent fundamental chemical and biological principles of forensic science with their applications to the identification and comparison of physical evidence. Paul Kirk s recent text (7) does offer a comprehensive insight into forensic techniques. However, although the text is an excellent contribution to forensic literature, it does not entirely fulfill the objectives of the course we have described. 

The SEM has proved to be an invaluable instrument in its application to forensic evidence materials. Several widely different successful applications of the SEM-EDA instrumentation to actual criminal cases have been presented. 

The evidence from this laboratory and from others reviewed in this chapter reinforces and extends the serious concern that external contamination of hair by drugs of abuse can easily occur. Any interpretation of hair analysis data should consider the prospect that the sample could have been externally contaminated. The pharmacokinetics of the incorporation of drugs into many tissues has been well elaborated. However, substantial additional information on the mechanisms for incorporation of drugs into hair, the decontamination of hair, the differentiation between exposure to exogenous and endogenous drugs, and the meaning of the presence of metabolites in the hair are needed before hair analysis can be employed in many forensic applications. 

The crucial evidence of identification and quantification of the poison may be faultless and the conclusions correct but, if the court s confidence in the forensic toxicologist as an unbiased scientific expert is destroyed, the case may be lost. Orfila was well acquainted with this aspect of forensic toxicology, and the guiding principles he established over 100 years ago are still applicable. These may be summarised as follows ... 

APPLICATIONS OF ANALYTICAL PYROLYSIS TO THE ANALYSIS OF FORENSIC EVIDENCE, CULTURAL MATERIALS, ETC. 

Forensic science is the application of a broad spectrum of science used to answer questions of interest to the legal profession. This may be defined as the application of science to law . This science can be applied in solving criminal cases or used in civil action cases. The use of analytical science in the legal profession is primarily concerned with the analysis of trace materials in which the crimes have taken place. The principle is that every contact leaves a trace that will offer potential evidence to link a suspect with the scene of the crime, victim or weapon. 

Forensic chemistry is concerned with the application of the principles of chemistry and related sciences to the examination of physical evidence collected at scenes of crimes, e.g. blood stains, paint fragments, bomb residue, clothes, drug samples and hair. The samples could provide conclusive evidence linking a suspect to a crime. Results from chemical analysis are usually conclusive and can be used to support eye witness testimony especially when trials take place many months or even years after the offence. 

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