,,Flora and fauna" in criminalistics - an analysis of the current use and relevance of non-human biological trace materials in criminal proceedings.

Abstract

The analysis of biological, non-human trace specimens can contribute significantly to solving a criminal case. The present study searches the relevant German criminal, forensic, legal and biological literature, focusing on animal hairs, insects and plant fragments, and assesses the current opportunities of this special forensic branch and its acceptance and relevance for the evidence in court. It turns out that the analysis of these trace materials has an enormous range of potential applications which should not only be reflected in the forensic sciences, but also in the criminal trials. However, in the legal literature and legal annotations the topic of biological, non-human trace materials is addressed only sporadically. To derive the greatest practical benefit from the developments of forensic biology, the knowledge about the use of biological, non-human trace specimens should be promoted for the criminal proceedings. Investigators, judges, prosecutors and defense lawyers should be more thoroughly informed and become trained by forensic biologists.