There is always controversy when twins are involved in criminal investigations. The case of Donald Smith from Georgia is a prime example of how DNA in twins can often cloud judgment of the authorities. But a fingerprint analysis will always prevail with the most accurate result.
It was in 2008 when police in Gwinnett, Georgia arrested Donald Smith for carjacking and murder. At the time there was no doubt that the police had caught their man. Witnesses identified him, a nearby security camera identified Donald Smith steeling the car and DNA evidence found at the scene matched Donalds DNA. But with all this, Donald insisted they had the wrong guy and that the crime must’ve been committed by his twin brother. That old excuse? Not this time.
Following a detailed fingerprint analysis of the crime scene it was found that none of the fingerprints matched Donald Smith. Upon further investigation it was found that the fingerprints were from his brother Ronald. It turns out that Donald did infact have an identical twin brother and therefore shared DNA but not fingerprints. Donald was telling the truth and brother quickly Ronald found himself in custody.
If you require further information on Fingerprint Analysis, DNA Analysis or Fingerprint Expert Witness Services please contact Forensic Resources Ltd on 02920 647 043.
Thursday, 20 May 2010
Forensic Science: Helping solve crime around the world.
A specialist industry, Forensic Science is the application of science in forensic studies, the forensic part of forensic science implies that it is to be utilised in some form or another with a court of law and is relevant to legal proceedings. From forensic science has come a wide range of forensic analysis services and has been a stimulus for many expert witness service providers today.
Forensic Science has been around for many centuries. However, it was not until recently that advances in scientific research and scientific studies made this a true and individual aspect of forensic research. Recent studies and research have brought the field of forensic science to new heights and given it increasing credibility and importance as a deciding factor in many legal proceedings, where forensic evidence often outweighs the testimony even of witnesses on the scene.
Almost everybody has heard of DNA evidence from television programs such as CSI, the reality is that forensic science is rapidly moving from the realm of television to the broader expanse of the real world. DNA evidence is now an important part of most legal proceedings involving any human body whether its for a murder, rape or even more civil cases such as handwriting analysis and fraud.
Whether discussing fibres from hair, clothes or even something as bland as dust, forensic analysis can often draw conclusions and point to irrefutable facts that often lead to convictions of criminals who, if not for forensic science, would be free to commit more atrocities.
Fibre analysis can have a telling tale that can only be exposed by the use of forensic science. Carpet fibres are unique to makes and manufacturers. Gunpowder (gun shot residue) contains microscopic residue that can correctly identify the type of powder, the manufacturer of the shell and much more information. Simple particles of dust, when viewed by using forensic science can place items or individuals at definitive places often down to an exact time frame. Something that we may see as just a bug or insect can tell how long an item has been in a particular location. There are many factors that are explored with Forensic Science. The scientific conclusion offers irrefutable proof and can be an effective tool in the fight against crime.
Advances in science and in particular with forensic science are not only new and fascinating but are constantly improving and being refined. Not only is forensic science a great tool for today, but the future looks bright indeed.
For more information on forensic analysis, trace analysis and gunshot residue analysis please visit Forensic Resources Ltd
Forensic Science has been around for many centuries. However, it was not until recently that advances in scientific research and scientific studies made this a true and individual aspect of forensic research. Recent studies and research have brought the field of forensic science to new heights and given it increasing credibility and importance as a deciding factor in many legal proceedings, where forensic evidence often outweighs the testimony even of witnesses on the scene.
Almost everybody has heard of DNA evidence from television programs such as CSI, the reality is that forensic science is rapidly moving from the realm of television to the broader expanse of the real world. DNA evidence is now an important part of most legal proceedings involving any human body whether its for a murder, rape or even more civil cases such as handwriting analysis and fraud.
Whether discussing fibres from hair, clothes or even something as bland as dust, forensic analysis can often draw conclusions and point to irrefutable facts that often lead to convictions of criminals who, if not for forensic science, would be free to commit more atrocities.
Fibre analysis can have a telling tale that can only be exposed by the use of forensic science. Carpet fibres are unique to makes and manufacturers. Gunpowder (gun shot residue) contains microscopic residue that can correctly identify the type of powder, the manufacturer of the shell and much more information. Simple particles of dust, when viewed by using forensic science can place items or individuals at definitive places often down to an exact time frame. Something that we may see as just a bug or insect can tell how long an item has been in a particular location. There are many factors that are explored with Forensic Science. The scientific conclusion offers irrefutable proof and can be an effective tool in the fight against crime.
Advances in science and in particular with forensic science are not only new and fascinating but are constantly improving and being refined. Not only is forensic science a great tool for today, but the future looks bright indeed.
For more information on forensic analysis, trace analysis and gunshot residue analysis please visit Forensic Resources Ltd
What is Entomology and how is it used in criminal investigations?
Forensic scientists now use Entomology in many criminal investigations particularly murder cases. Entomology is the study of insects and is a branch of zoology.
It’s often misunderstood that forensic entomologists are able to make an accurate estimate of a person's time of death. As a matter of fact, it is the medical pathologists that estimate time of death and not the forensic entomologist. All forensic entomologists can do is make a very precise estimate of post-mortem time through their expert understanding of the growth and lifespan of insects.
For each specific species of insects there a variety of different variables that can effect their growth. Studies have shown that in a perfect environment insects can grow at an astounding rate. Professional forensic entomologists create a baseline for insects development time in order for them to be able to estimate how long a dead body has been deceased. For instance, a colony of insects that have grown upon a corpse and possibly produced offspring, would give a specific time span.
Certain species of insects will feed on dead human tissue which will give an indication of time of death. For example, the Sarcophaga haemorrhoidalis or the flesh fly prefers the indoors and grows as it feeds. It also has the capacity to give live birth, which has generated theories on the spontaneous generation of life.
Forensic Science understands insects are now used to determine levels of toxicity due to drug use when no other source is present. When there is no blood, tissue or urine, insects are used to detect the presence of narcotics or other drugs.
Comment: If you require further information on entomology or entomology expert witness services please visit Forensic Resources ltd.
It’s often misunderstood that forensic entomologists are able to make an accurate estimate of a person's time of death. As a matter of fact, it is the medical pathologists that estimate time of death and not the forensic entomologist. All forensic entomologists can do is make a very precise estimate of post-mortem time through their expert understanding of the growth and lifespan of insects.
For each specific species of insects there a variety of different variables that can effect their growth. Studies have shown that in a perfect environment insects can grow at an astounding rate. Professional forensic entomologists create a baseline for insects development time in order for them to be able to estimate how long a dead body has been deceased. For instance, a colony of insects that have grown upon a corpse and possibly produced offspring, would give a specific time span.
Certain species of insects will feed on dead human tissue which will give an indication of time of death. For example, the Sarcophaga haemorrhoidalis or the flesh fly prefers the indoors and grows as it feeds. It also has the capacity to give live birth, which has generated theories on the spontaneous generation of life.
Forensic Science understands insects are now used to determine levels of toxicity due to drug use when no other source is present. When there is no blood, tissue or urine, insects are used to detect the presence of narcotics or other drugs.
Comment: If you require further information on entomology or entomology expert witness services please visit Forensic Resources ltd.
The difference between expert witnesses and factual experts?
In most criminal investigations there is both an expert witness and a factual / observing witness. Factual witnesses nearly always stand in court and testify against someone during a trial. But it is the expert witness that may not be seen as often in the court room but their opinion is vital during criminal proceedings. So what is the difference between an expert witness and a factual witness?
Expert Witnesses
An expert witness will specialist within a particular industry or a leading industry professional. They are always an expert in a particular field and their opinion and analysis of evidence is regarded as invaluable during criminal investigation. Expert witnesses have no limit to the number of fields that they can be regarded as an expert but if their knowledge of a particular subject is weak and they are chosen as an expert witness in a court case its often the case that the opposition will cross examine their opinions and position as an expert.
Factual Witnesses
Most commonly a witness to an event, the factual witness is an individual who knows facts about the case. Factual Witnesses see and know things that no one else has seen or knows during a court case. They have to give this information to those in the courtroom in order to be admitted as a type of evidence for the case.
In court cases factual witnesses will take an oath to tell the whole truth about what they know and then give this information. It is the defence or prosecutions job to find discrepancies in the witness's statement, which is where sometimes expert witness analysis comes into play.
The importance of the witness
In both cases expert and factual witnesses are essential in court cases and their opinions are the reason behind a verdict. In a trial, it is important that all of the possibilities, impossibilities, evidence, eyewitnesses, and expert witnesses are laid out in front of the jury. This is important to ensure that someone who is innocent is not sent to prison for a crime that they didn't do. The opposite is true as well. Not having sufficient evidence or witnesses can result in a guilty individual being let go, which means they could commit the crime again.
If you would like to know more information about expert witnesses and expert witness services please contact Forensic Resources Ltd on 02920 647 043.
Expert Witnesses
An expert witness will specialist within a particular industry or a leading industry professional. They are always an expert in a particular field and their opinion and analysis of evidence is regarded as invaluable during criminal investigation. Expert witnesses have no limit to the number of fields that they can be regarded as an expert but if their knowledge of a particular subject is weak and they are chosen as an expert witness in a court case its often the case that the opposition will cross examine their opinions and position as an expert.
Factual Witnesses
Most commonly a witness to an event, the factual witness is an individual who knows facts about the case. Factual Witnesses see and know things that no one else has seen or knows during a court case. They have to give this information to those in the courtroom in order to be admitted as a type of evidence for the case.
In court cases factual witnesses will take an oath to tell the whole truth about what they know and then give this information. It is the defence or prosecutions job to find discrepancies in the witness's statement, which is where sometimes expert witness analysis comes into play.
The importance of the witness
In both cases expert and factual witnesses are essential in court cases and their opinions are the reason behind a verdict. In a trial, it is important that all of the possibilities, impossibilities, evidence, eyewitnesses, and expert witnesses are laid out in front of the jury. This is important to ensure that someone who is innocent is not sent to prison for a crime that they didn't do. The opposite is true as well. Not having sufficient evidence or witnesses can result in a guilty individual being let go, which means they could commit the crime again.
If you would like to know more information about expert witnesses and expert witness services please contact Forensic Resources Ltd on 02920 647 043.
What is an Expert Witness?
An expert witness is someone who works in a particular profession and they are considered an expert within their field. For example an expert witness for the fingerprint analysis industry will have a wealth of experience within the fingerprint industry understanding all types of fingerprinting techniques, variations in dna results and a sound knowledge of how to comment on fingerprinting enquiries to both the press and legal teams. This individual must have more knowledge in their field than the average individual in order to be considered an expert.
Both defence and prosecution legal teams who hire expert witnesses to testify for their side may ask a series of questions to determine if the expert witness is the best one for them to achieve a specific outcome or analyse evidence in a particular way.
Types of expert witnesses?
There are two main types of expert witnesses. They are the testifying experts and the non-testifying experts.
A testifying expert witness is seen as a communicator within court room proceedings. They are usually out in front of everyone to see and any documentation that they present to support the side they are testifying for will expose what they have said about the case. It is a rule of thumb within the expert witness industry not to not to write on the documents being analysed as the other side can see what they have written. This could hurt the case if the witness has expressed any sort of personal opinion on those documents which could then be cross examined.
The second type of expert witness is the non-testifying expert witness. These are expert witnesses that are hired by one of the sides in the case to evaluate the case. For instance, a lawyer may hire an expert witness doctor to look over a malpractice suit to see if something was out of the usual when a certain procedure was performed. There may be causes in which a nurse practitioner may be called as well to evaluate documents in regards to a medical case.
The non-testifying expert is the individual who is protected. They are not usually discovered like those who must sit in front of the jury and the court and testify regarding a case. The non-testifying expert doesn't have to be known, but the documentation that they participated in will be shown.
The importance of specialisation
It is important that an expert witness has a specialisation when it comes to legal analysis and expert witness services in court. Although most expert witnesses have been involved in a particular profession, there may be an area of that profession that they specialise in. This is important to solicitors when choosing an expert witness, it is important that the witness specialises in the area the lawyer needs help in analysing and presenting. It is not enough to just work in that particular field.
How important are expert witnesses?
Expert witnesses can prove to be pivotal during cases as their opinions can make or break key evidence brought to trial. Without the contribution of expert witnesses there would be innocent people in prison and guilty parties running free. It is their testimony that can help determine whether or not an individual committed the crime which can be life changing.
If you require any type of expert witness service or require further information on expert witness analysis please contact Forensic Resources Ltd on 02920 647 043.
Both defence and prosecution legal teams who hire expert witnesses to testify for their side may ask a series of questions to determine if the expert witness is the best one for them to achieve a specific outcome or analyse evidence in a particular way.
Types of expert witnesses?
There are two main types of expert witnesses. They are the testifying experts and the non-testifying experts.
A testifying expert witness is seen as a communicator within court room proceedings. They are usually out in front of everyone to see and any documentation that they present to support the side they are testifying for will expose what they have said about the case. It is a rule of thumb within the expert witness industry not to not to write on the documents being analysed as the other side can see what they have written. This could hurt the case if the witness has expressed any sort of personal opinion on those documents which could then be cross examined.
The second type of expert witness is the non-testifying expert witness. These are expert witnesses that are hired by one of the sides in the case to evaluate the case. For instance, a lawyer may hire an expert witness doctor to look over a malpractice suit to see if something was out of the usual when a certain procedure was performed. There may be causes in which a nurse practitioner may be called as well to evaluate documents in regards to a medical case.
The non-testifying expert is the individual who is protected. They are not usually discovered like those who must sit in front of the jury and the court and testify regarding a case. The non-testifying expert doesn't have to be known, but the documentation that they participated in will be shown.
The importance of specialisation
It is important that an expert witness has a specialisation when it comes to legal analysis and expert witness services in court. Although most expert witnesses have been involved in a particular profession, there may be an area of that profession that they specialise in. This is important to solicitors when choosing an expert witness, it is important that the witness specialises in the area the lawyer needs help in analysing and presenting. It is not enough to just work in that particular field.
How important are expert witnesses?
Expert witnesses can prove to be pivotal during cases as their opinions can make or break key evidence brought to trial. Without the contribution of expert witnesses there would be innocent people in prison and guilty parties running free. It is their testimony that can help determine whether or not an individual committed the crime which can be life changing.
If you require any type of expert witness service or require further information on expert witness analysis please contact Forensic Resources Ltd on 02920 647 043.
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