ABSTRACT
Analysis is accomplished in two very distinct venues. e rst venue is that of the crime laboratory. Forensic scientists using the various forensic disciplines described in Chapter 2 and throughout this book examine items recovered at the scene. Given the limits of the technology, the scientists and technicians deduce what they can from each item. is analysis produces a vast array of rened forensic data that are both discrete and specic: this is Mary’s ngerprint; that DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is not from the suspect; this glass was broken from the outside. An interesting aspect of this analysis is that most scientists work within a narrow discipline and generally do not or are not allowed to correlate their results in relation to other forensic results. In some instances, this narrow analysis is more than enough for the court. e discrete data provided by the forensic scientist can solve many of the investigative or judicial questions posed. For example, given a rape charge in which the suspect claims no association or contact with the victim, the mere presence of the suspect’s DNA in a sperm sample recovered from the victim will e®ectively help a jury to decide guilt or innocence.
