| TYPES OF FORENSIC EVIDENCE |
The following links will provide you with more information as to specific types of forensic evidence that may be used during trial. Below you will find information as to the science behind each technique and possible problems one may encounter should this type of evidence be presented at trial.
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| Friction Ridge Impression Evidence |
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FRICTION RIDGE IMPRESSION
Friction Ridge Impression evidence, evidence dealing with fingerprints, although frequently used at trial, can create several issues as to admissibility. More specifically, requirements for points of comparison, standards for analyzation, and the use of image enhancing are all aspects that may cause this type of evidence to be challenged. For more in depth analysis as to some of these arising problems, please click the link to the left.
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| Handwriting Comparison Evidence |
HANDWRITING COMPARISON EVIDENCE
As with other types of forensic evidence, testimony as to comparison between hand writings can also face challenges to admissibility. For a more detailed analysis of issues pertaining to this type of evidence and issues to overcome before having it admitted, please click the image to the right.
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BIOMETRIC EVIDENCE
Biometric Evidence is an ever-expanding field that includes such breakthrough identifcation procedures such as retinal identification scans, brain print identification, facial recognition software, and even ear prints. As more novel and ground-breaking identification procedures emerge with the advancements in technology of today, courts are consantly having to evaluate this type of evidence for admissibility purposes. For more information on this particular type of forensic evidence, please click the microscope to the left.
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| Firearm and Toolmark Evidence |
FIREARM AND TOOLMARK IDENTIFICATION EVIDENCE
Firearm and Toolmark Identification has been used as a source of forensic evidence for well over one hundred years. Although this "science" is not a new one, it is still a flawed one. In some instances, reliable matches linking certain weapons to crime scenes either by imprints left by a tool or bullets fired from a gun, can be helpful. However, studies exist that call into question the reliability of this evidence, especially in the area of tool mark identification. For scholarly articles and analysis as to these challenges and their bases, please click the link to the right.
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TRACE EVIDENCE
Trace Evidence includes physical evidence such as pieces of hair; natural and synthetic fibers; DNA in the form of blood, semen, hair, and skin cells; and other small bits of evidence left behind at crime scenes when two objects come into contact with one another. A great deal of science is used in collecting and analyzing this type of evidence and as such frequent challenges to admissibility arise. For a more detailed exploration of such issues, please click the image to the left.
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MARKS LEFT BY THE BODY
Aside from fingers and toes, other parts of the body can arguably leave impressions or marks which can then be analyzed for identification purposes. Bite mark Evidence, lip prints, ear prints, and other less identifiable marks or impressions left by the body are constantly being offered to courts for evidentiary admission while simultaneously being met with challenges by opposing counsel. For more information on this area of law please click the link to the right.
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MISCELLANEOUS
For information on other types of forensic evidence not specifically mentioned above, please click on the image to the left.
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