NCJ Number
81093
Journal
Commonwealth Police Officers' Association Journal Volume: 1 Issue: 5 Dated: (1980) Pages: 66-77
Date Published
1980
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This Australian paper describes a number of computer applications in the forensic science field and how this form of technology can produce a number of problems when the evidence is presented in courts of law.
Abstract
The examination of physical evidence for the purpose of origin determination is one area in which computers are becoming increasingly involved. For example, a considerable amount of work has already been done on the use of computer technology specifically for comparison of fingerprints. Moreover, computer-based information systems are being made available to forensic scientists. These data systems include the Register of Human Toxicology, which incorporates data on drug or poison levels. In addition, the use of microcomputer processors in the forensic science laboratory is becoming more common as an adjunct to instrumentation. However, the courts have always placed more credence on human evidence and appear to be suspicious of the use of technology, although these attitudes are slowly changing. Another area in which computers have been used as an adjunct to forensic science investigations involves the use of 'Voiceprints' to extract a suspect's speech parameters. A valuable area for computer application has been the examination of disputed tape recordings; the evidence from such computer-based techniques has already been admitted in court. Computers have also been employed in the interpretation of LANDSAT satellite imagery (LANDSAT being used to identify large plantations of Cannabis sativa). The computer can also provide a means whereby modeling methods can be undertaken. For instance, it would be of particular value if a computer-based model of cadaver cooling could be produced. Legal problems arising from the use of computers are apparent if there is a trend in such cases for counsel to challenge any evidence based on the use of a computer in view of the lack of juror understanding of computer functions and due to the problems of subjectivity and objectivity of this type of evidence. Further research in this area is needed. One reference is appended.