Articles
A Beginner's Primer on the Investigation of Forensic Evidence
This primer by Kim Kruglink is designed to help lawyers deal with forensic evidence of all types. Although it is addressed primarily to criminal defense lawyers, it is full of astute observations about the institutional structure of forensic science and problems that commonly arise in that field. The author is an experienced criminal lawyer based in Mill Valley, California who is well known for successfully litigating cases involving scientific issues. The article includes a discoverable material checklist and a forensic case issue checklist to guide litigators preparing for trial.
Processing Guide for Developing Latent Prints
The identification of latent print evidence is often key in solving a crime. A latent print results from the reproduction of friction ridges found on parts of the fingers, hands, and feet. These prints consist of a combination of different chemicals that originate from natural secretions, blood, and contaminants. Natural secretions mainly derive from the eccrine and sebaceous glands and contain known chemical components. Eccrine gland secretions from the fingers, hands, and feet are both organic and inorganic, but only organic materials are secreted from the sebaceous glands. Other contaminants found in prints result from contact with different materials in the environment. Latent prints can be found on all types of surfaces. In general, surfaces can be characterized as porous, nonporous, or semiporous. Understanding these characteristics will aid in processing an item for latent prints.