Mechanics of Impression Evidence

As forensic technology becomes more sophisticated, courts are demanding more scientific content and juries are expecting meticulous confirmation of facts alleged. Applying physics, chemistry, and engineering to the process of analysis and interpretation, this volume offers a starting point for significant change in the way that impression evidence is presented. Concepts discussed include the three-dimensional nature of the human fingerprint, dimensional stability and striation mark issues, the research and development of electrostatic scans, the growing availability of new measurement techniques, and the use of personal experimentation to support conclusions or confirm that which is otherwise considered fact.

As forensic technology becomes more sophisticated, courts are demanding more scientific content and juries are expecting meticulous confirmation of facts alleged. Greater attention is now paid to increasingly finer details and improved methods of describing every form of evidence. Applying physics, chemistry, and engineering to the process of analysis and interpretation, Mechanics of Impression Evidence reflects the shift to these heightened standards and offers a starting point for significant change in the way that impression evidence is considered, utilized, and presented.

Concepts discussed in this groundbreaking text include:

• The three-dimensional nature of the human fingerprint and a shift toward a more holistic image of the surface of friction skin
• Dimensional stability and striation mark issues, which can change the way footwear outsoles are evaluated and compared
• The research and development of electrostatic scans that could possibly save lives and locate or describe evidence as never before
• The growing availability of new measurement techniques that can improve evidence testimony
• The use of personal experimentation to support conclusions or confirm that which is otherwise considered fact

Making use of logic and science to question our approach to impression evidence, this volume begins with simple ideas and basic notions and uses these building blocks to suggest and consider potentially controversial changes in the way evidence is located, interpreted, compared, and presented.