There are many different methods that a forensic pathologist can use to make a positive identification against a corpse that finds its way onto his or her autopsy table; and one of the most useful and simplest is that of identifying scars, tattoos and birthmarks that may be present on …
Most people know that forensics involves many different kinds of evidence, whether that is blood evidence or a weapon. However, the evidence can become degraded from a number of things such as time, heat or the use of bleach. Unfortunately, even advanced Forensic Techniques can be challenged by the use …
Sometimes during the course of a criminal investigation and its subsequent autopsy the pathologist may find his or herself faced with the task of identifying the sex of a skeleton after decomposition. Obviously before decomposition there are detailed differences between the form of a male or a female but once …
In a local story from 2008, a man in the UK received a jail sentence for taking replica guns and modifying them to functional firearms that ended up being used in 50 shootings. Eight of these shootings were ones that left a victim dead. The story has become an important …
As we have already looked at in other articles a pathologist, in conjunction with a forensic anthropologist, will try to determine the sex of a skeleton by examining the differences between skeletal frames. But in addition to this a forensic anthropologist will be charged – if necessary – to reconstruct …
One of the most challenging tasks for a forensic expert is determining if a person is telling the truth. Over the years, all sorts of testing methods have been introduced – some eventually disregarded while others have become mainstays in Forensic Science. New Techniques In the past several years, however, …
During the course of a trial a jury must be able to understand and appreciate the complexities of both the crime and the methods used in solving the crime and also the scientific procedures used in aiding with the crime’s resolution. What is an Expert Witness? An expert witness is …
Rape is a horrific experience for a person to experience but we are fortunate today in that forensic science has many tools at its disposal to process rape evidence. In turn, accurate and timely processing can help to identify a suspect and lead to a criminal conviction in court. New …
What is Medico-Legal? You may not be familiar with the term ‘Medico-Legal’: it is the provision of expert help and testimony from someone who is well respected and experienced in their chosen field who may be required to give evidence in the case against someone who has suffered medical malpractice. …
Since discovering DNA, the technology and ability to analyse it has changed significantly. Many of the older challenges, such as efficiency and timeliness, have been virtually swept aside as better DNA analysis techniques have been developed over the years. Smaller Sample Sizes From Skin Cells Still, some sample sizes are …
