Forensic Comparative Science

Provides the experience, understanding and judgment, necessary for concluding whether two unique images share common origin from a unique and persistent source. This work presents a philosophical and theoretical approach to explaining the cognitive process of comparative measurements and source determination.

Klappentext

In 1993, a civil case entitled Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, 113 S. Ct. 2786, dealt with the admissibility of scientific evidence in Federal court. The Daubert decision states that the trial judge must screen scientific evidence to ensure it is relevant and reliable; the focus must be solely on principles and methodology, not on the conclusions they generate; and factors the court should consider include testing and validation, peer review, rate of error, and general acceptance within the scientific community. The Daubert decision allows for the validity of evidence to be challenged - particularly in the realm of the comparative sciences (fingerprints, toolmarks, firearms, etc.). Forensic Comparative Science uses the Daubert decision to bring the comparative sciences under one philosophy of understanding in regard to terminology, examination methods, and standards for conclusions. The text covers a summary of philosophy, psychology, and history in the forensic comparative sciences, as well as the development of expertise required to examine images. The book includes very detailed discussions of the examination method of ACE+V, levels within levels of image details of repeatable and unique features of the source, QQ threshold relationships, and standards and ranges for conclusions that need to be consistent throughout the comparative sciences. Examination, conclusions, and legal issues are also presented.

Inhalt

Chapter 1: Recognizing Belief
Chapter 2: Believing Recognition
Chapter 3: Unique and Persistent Surfaces of the Source
Chapter 4: Ranges of Levels of Details in Images
Chapter 5: Qualitative Quantitative Relationship of Details
Chapter 6: Analysis, Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification
Chapter 7: Fractures, Tears, and Separations
Chapter 8: Tools and Guns
Chapter 9: Shoes and Tires
Chapter 10: Unique Surface Structures on a Body
Chapter 11: It Just Does Not Matter