Science & Justice最新文献

{"title":"Assessing the influence of variables on vehicle speed determination through reverse projection analysis","authors":"Walter E Bruehs ,&nbsp;Dorothy Stout","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101369","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101369","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Reverse projection photogrammetry has long been established as a forensic tool for estimating height and, more recently, vehicle speed from video. Previous work has demonstrated its feasibility under controlled daytime conditions using digital video recorders (DVRs). This study extends that foundation by systematically evaluating how additional variables specifically headlight bloom as a marker, and frame rate variability in network video recorders (NVRs) and cloud-based consumer systems might affect the accuracy of speed determination. Vehicle speeds were independently documented using Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) and in-dash speedometer recordings, providing complementary ground truth: LIDAR offered precise point-in-time measures, while the speedometer delivered a continuous average across the test interval. Together, these methods established a baseline for comparison against photogrammetric calculations.</div><div>Structured experiments were conducted at a closed test track, with multiple DVR, NVR, and cloud devices recording daytime and nighttime runs at varying speeds. Speed was estimated by measuring vehicle position (or headlight bloom at night) via reverse projection photogrammetry and calculating elapsed time using frame counts or, when necessary, frame analysis tools. Results showed that higher and more stable frame rates reduced uncertainty, while consumer cloud systems and some NVRs introduced dropped or inconsistent frames, producing errors outside the expected margin. Conversely, headlight bloom proved to be a reliable nighttime surrogate for vehicle position.</div><div>These findings demonstrate that reverse projection photogrammetry provides a reliable means of estimating vehicle speed when recorder timing is properly accounted for and understood. By quantifying sources of uncertainty across diverse recording systems and lighting conditions, this research strengthens the evidentiary basis for using video-derived speed estimates in forensic analysis and supports their defensible application in casework.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 101369"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145684544","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Manhunt: Using Keatley’s Winthropping to help find fugitives","authors":"D.A. Keatley","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101357","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101357","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tracking fugitives is an essential part of criminal investigations. When a fugitive is actively evading arrest, moving and hiding to escape, several issues arise. Technological advancements have greatly helped tracking individuals, yet still suspects are able to avoid arrest, sometimes for long periods of time. The current case study provides a review of an infamous fugitive case with modern decision-making analyses. The aim is to show how investigators can return to traditional investigative methods in situations wherein technology is lacking or ineffective. The outcome of the case study review shows the potential to track a fugitive’s behavior. It is suggested that this approach can be trialed and tested across other cold or historic cases to further improve the analyses. These desktop scenario sessions can provide effective training for real-time, current fugitive cases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 101357"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145571186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploration of the multidisciplinary integration teaching model in forensic science: A case study of death by high fall after drinking alcohol","authors":"An-Ding Zhou ,&nbsp;Nian Zhou ,&nbsp;Si-Hao Du ,&nbsp;Xiao-Hui Tan ,&nbsp;Xia Yue ,&nbsp;Dong-Ri LI ,&nbsp;Dong-Fang Qiao ,&nbsp;Tong Xie ,&nbsp;Qi Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101356","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101356","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Undergraduate education in forensic science plays a critical role in cultivating highly qualified forensic professionals with comprehensive analytical skills and practical competency. However, traditional teaching methods often prove insufficient when complex cases involving the intersection of multiple disciplines are encountered, and they frequently fail to meet the demands of practical teaching. This teaching practice is mainly for 4th-year undergraduate forensic science students and aims to explore a multidisciplinary integrated teaching model in forensic science on the basis of a complex simulated case: an alcohol-related fatality resulting from a fall from height. This model emphasizes student-centered learning, organically integrating forensic scene investigation, forensic pathological examination, and forensic toxicological analysis through the simulation of realistic case scenarios. It facilitates students in applying theoretical knowledge, mastering professional skills, and fostering evidence awareness, logical reasoning, teamwork abilities, standardized operational awareness, and a rigorous scientific attitude through practical experience. Through the teaching practice of simulating an alcohol-related fall from height fatality, the effectiveness of this model in enhancing students’ comprehensive analytical skills, practical competence, and forensic thinking provides a new perspective and approach for reforming undergraduate practical teaching in forensic science and lays a foundation for cultivating forensic professionals who are better equipped to meet societal needs in the future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 101356"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145546714","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond biohazards: teaching forensic biology practicals with synthetic and non-human samples","authors":"Carrie Mullen ,&nbsp;Jo-Ann Smith ,&nbsp;Chloe Ward ,&nbsp;Helen Page ,&nbsp;Kayleigh Lamont ,&nbsp;Sean Mallon ,&nbsp;Farah Jaber-Hijazi","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101354","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101354","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Practical laboratory classes are essential in forensic biology education, providing valuable hands-on experience that bridges theoretical knowledge and real-world practices. However, delivering authentic, safe, and legally compliant practical experiences presents significant challenges, particularly for programmes lacking access to specialised biohazard laboratories. The authors outline the development and implementation of synthetic alternatives to human body fluids, specifically saliva and semen, to minimise biohazard risks, alongside the in-house production of amylase detection paper (adapted from Phadebas® tablets), as a cost-effective alternative to expensive commercial options, helping resource-limited departments provide high-quality laboratory experiences for forensic and crime scene science students.</div><div>The work highlights the collaborative efforts of teaching and technical staff across institutions in developing these solutions, to support students in realistic forensic casework simulations while maintaining safety, legal compliance, and inclusivity. These innovations demonstrate how practical challenges in resource-limited departments can be overcome through sustainability-conscious design and pedagogical creativity, contributing to the wider goals of Education for Sustainable Development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 101354"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145571187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"What is the best way to present likelihood ratios? A review of past research and recommendations for future research","authors":"Geoffrey Stewart Morrison ,&nbsp;Agnes S. Bali ,&nbsp;Kristy A. Martire ,&nbsp;Rebecca Hofstein Grady ,&nbsp;William C. Thompson","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101342","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101342","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As a first step in addressing the research question “What is the best way for forensic practitioners to present likelihood ratios so as to maximize their understandability for legal-decision makers?”, this paper reviews existing empirical literature on the comprehension of likelihood ratios by laypersons. The existing literature tends to research understanding of expressions of strength of evidence in general, rather than focusing specifically on likelihood ratios. We review the literature with respect to the CASOC indicators of comprehension (particularly <em>sensitivity</em>, <em>orthodoxy</em>, and <em>coherence</em>), and compare different formats that have been used to express likelihood ratios: numerical likelihood-ratios values, numerical random-match probabilities, and verbal strength-of-support statements (none of the studies that we reviewed tested comprehension of verbal likelihood ratios). We also critically review the studies with respect to methodology, and consider additional factors that could potentially assist with communication of the meaning of likelihood ratios. We conclude that the existing literature does not answer our research question, but, based on our review, we provide recommendations for the methodology of future research aimed at addressing our research question.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101342"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145623856","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative analysis of fingermark development on biodegradable and traditional plastic garbage bags","authors":"Nienke Guijt ,&nbsp;Annemieke van Dam","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101350","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101350","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The escalating plastic waste crisis has increased the need for sustainable alternatives. Biodegradable plastics have emerged as a promising solution and are now frequently encountered at crime scenes. Although many studies have been published on the development of fingermarks on conventional plastics, limited research has been conducted on them on bioplastics. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of various fingermark development techniques on biodegradable (d2w) plastic garbage bags compared to traditional (Dumil) plastic garbage bags. Fingermarks were deposited on one of the two types of plastics and developed with one of the following methods: magnetic powder (MP), wet powder (WP), cyanoacrylate fuming (CAF) with Basic Yellow 40, or Vacuum Metal Deposition (VMD). After deposition, fingermarks were left to age for eight different time periods upon development, ranging from fresh (24 h) up to 50 days (about 1 and a half months). Results demonstrated that high-quality fingermarks could be obtained using wet powder and cyanoacrylate fuming, specifically on biodegradable plastics. The effectiveness of magnetic powder on both types of plastic declined over time, while vacuum metal deposition showed inconsistent results. Overall, in this study, fingermarks on biodegradable plastics exhibited more ridge detail than those on traditional plastics. The inability to achieve uniform zinc evaporation during vacuum metal deposition development may explain the differences in fingermark development between the plastic types. This research underscores the need for forensic methodologies for biodegradable plastics to ensure reliable evidence collection in criminal investigations. Further studies are essential to enhance fingermark development techniques for these emerging materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101350"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145528434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Breaking barriers: The admissibility of forensic evidence in US courts and the struggles with cutting-edge science","authors":"Ali Md. Ayub ,&nbsp;Ferdous Robayet Syed ,&nbsp;Haiqing Peng","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101355","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101355","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article critically examines two key scientific reports—Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward and Forensic Science in Criminal Courts: Ensuring Scientific Validity of Feature-Comparison Methods—with a particular focus on their implications for the judiciary’s gatekeeping role in determining the admissibility of forensic evidence. It explores how U.S. courts address the validity and reliability of forensic methods in light of these landmark reports. Through an analysis of contemporary scholarship, judicial decisions, and legal standards, the study identifies significant obstacles to integrating the reports’ insights. These include inconsistencies in judicial practice, resistance from stakeholders, gaps in evidentiary standards, adversarial legal constraints, and a lack of scientific literacy among judges and attorneys. The authors argue that, as the ultimate arbiters of forensic evidence, courts must adopt strategies to incorporate scientific advancements, ensuring that unreliable forensic methods are excluded from judicial proceedings. This would incentivize the scientific community to standardize forensic methodologies across disciplines. Addressing these challenges requires legal reforms, the development of best practice guidelines, and enhanced judicial and legal education through interdisciplinary collaboration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101355"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145528435","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correspondence by the Association of Forensic Science Providers (AFSP), Body Fluid Forum (BFF) on an article written by N. Dawnay and K. Sheppard: “From crime scene to courtroom: A review of the current bioanalytical evidence workflows used in rape and sexual assault investigations in the United Kingdom, Science & Justice 63 (2023) 206–228”","authors":"Linda Groombridge,&nbsp;Geraldine Davidson,&nbsp;Sharon Doole,&nbsp;Jonathan Finnis,&nbsp;Isla Fraser,&nbsp;Charlotte Hargreaves,&nbsp;Rachel Knottley,&nbsp;Charlotte Murphy,&nbsp;Carol Rogers,&nbsp;Nighean Stevenson","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101317","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101317","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>“From crime scene to courtroom: A review of the current bioanalytical evidence workflows used in rape and sexual assault investigations in the United Kingdom” by N. Dawnay and K. Sheppard (Science &amp; Justice 63 (2023) 206–228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scijus.2022.12.006) has been reviewed by the Body Fluid Forum (BFF) of the Association of Forensic Science Providers (AFSP). The BFF consists of a representative of each of the Forensic Science Providers within the UK and Ireland and as such, strives to provide best practice guidance for the examination and evaluation of biological evidence within cases involving rape and sexual assault. With this in mind, this article aims to address inaccuracies regarding laboratory (and scene) forensic examinations for body fluids and interpretation of the findings in respect of prosecution and defence propositions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101317"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145623855","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Re-evaluating forensic taphonomy experimental design: Relevance of non-human animal models vs. human donor bodies","authors":"Devin A. Finaughty ,&nbsp;Victoria E. Gibbon ,&nbsp;Craig A. Keyes ,&nbsp;Desiré Brits","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101348","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101348","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101348"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145466197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development and validation of a fast TEIS-TQMS screening method for the identification of 8 NPS in non-biological samples","authors":"Bartłomiej Feigel ,&nbsp;Piotr Adamowicz ,&nbsp;Sławomir Wybraniec","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101349","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101349","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The number of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) on the drug market is steadily increasing and there are no signs that this trend will change in the coming years. The constantly evolving drug market necessitates forensic experts to develop new methods for NPS analysis. With the growing number of analytes, the diversity of these compounds also increases, making it more challenging to develop screening methods that enable the analyses of a large number of the drugs simultaneously. It should also be noted that methods enabling quick NPS analysis are important due to constant changes in the popularity of “legal highs”, usually from several to a dozen of NPS are popular on the drug market at a given time. Therefore, it was decided to develop a research method for rapid screening determination of compounds from three groups of NPS: cannabinoids, tryptamines, and cathinones. The analyzed substances included 5-MEO-MIPT, N-ethylcathinone, UR-144, MDPBP, 3-MMC, XLR-11, 5F-AKB48, and alpha-PVP. As a result of the conducted work, a method enabling the analysis of samples containing 8 NPS in one minute, was developed. To achieve this, a Thermal Extraction Ion Source technique was applied in conjunction with a Triple Quadrupole Tandem Mass Spectrometry (TEIS-TQMS). TEIS can also be coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometers and ion trap mass analyzers for the analyte identification. The first use of TEIS-TQMS in the field of “legal highs” analysis is reported and its application enables the examination of “designer drugs” with a significant simplification of the sample preparation stage. Sample preparation for real samples involved a simple solid-liquid extraction with methanol and an addition of internal standard. Importantly, the high speed and efficiency of the TEIS-TQMS technique with analysis times as short as one minute per sample have the potential to substantially reduce the time required for toxicological evaluations, expert reporting, and overall case handling. This aspect is particularly valuable in forensic and prosecutorial workflows, where timely and reliable analytical results are crucial for supporting law enforcement investigations and informing prosecutorial decisions. As such, the proposed methodology may play a key role in streamlining the early stages of criminal proceedings, especially in cases involving large volumes of seized materials. The research method was validated in accordance with the ANSI/ASB norm. We have determined potential interferences, selectivity, matrix effects, and the limit of detection. Validation results included calculated limits of detection ranging from 0.01 to 6.47 µg/ml, matrix effects from −97% to 241%, and coefficients of variation from 9 to 84%. The usefulness of the developed method was confirmed by analyzing real samples and the results were subsequently validated using LC-MS/MS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101349"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145466205","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}