Interpretation of Evidence

Interpretation of Evidence

Interpretation of Forensic Evidence

Understanding the Evidence

  • Forensic Scientists interpret the evidence accumulated at a crime scene.
  • This involves understanding the context of the evidence, how it was laid down, and its relationship to the crime.
  • It’s vital to determine how the evidence fits with the crime scenario, hence identifying its significance to the crime.

Examination of the Evidence

  • The evidence needs to undergo a detailed examination process, which will usually happen within a forensic laboratory.
  • Modern techniques might involve DNA profiling, blood pattern analysis, and fingerprint analysis to name a few.
  • Interpretation of the evidence is often a combination of scientific understanding, experience, and professional judgement from the examiner.

Communicating the Evidence

  • It’s essential for Forensic Scientists to communicate their findings in a way that can be understood by non-scientific individuals, such as jury members and judges.
  • They often have to write forensic reports that detail their findings and the significance of the evidence.
  • They must explain their findings in clear, concise terms, without using too much technical jargon.

Comparison of the Evidence

  • Forensic scientists must compare the evidence to known standards or controls. For instance, a bicycle tyre print at a crime scene might be compared to the tyres on a suspect’s bicycle.
  • They must establish if the evidence corresponds to the control or not.
  • The strength of the correlation is decided by the amount of individual characteristics that are similar between the scene print and the suspect’s print.

Confirmation through Repeating Analysis

  • Repeating analysis on the same piece of evidence by different forensic scientists is a crucial step in verifying the findings.
  • This process, also known as peer-review, ensures that the interpretation is robust and reduces the chance of misinterpretation.
  • The findings of the peer-review process can greatly impact the interpretation and ultimate outcome in court.