NCJ Number
114398
Journal
Journal of the Forensic Science Society Volume: 28 Issue: 4 Dated: (1988) Pages: 243-252
Date Published
1988
Length
10 pages
Annotation
A series of hypothetical case situations was distributed to forensic laboratories worldwide to investigate the range of interpretation and reporting styles among examiners.
Abstract
Cases involved the analysis of semen, hair, fiber, glass, paint, blood, and fire debris. Respondents were asked to assess the evidentiary value of such samples in cases involving rape, homicide, breaking and entering, and arson. Of 130 laboratories surveyed, only 22 replies were received. Despite this low response rate, results showed that the reporting of forensic results is far from straight forward. Interpretations and perceived evidentiary value varied considerably among replies. For instance in the alleged rape case, variations in time estimates since intercourse ranged from 48 hours to 10 days; and 16 of 22 indicated the presence of semen on the basis of only a single definite spermatazooan head. In another case, 5 respondents identified a sample as containing a petroleum product, 11 specified diesel oil, and 1 stated that the substance could not be identified. In other cases, there was great diversity in the amount and type of additional information requested regarding the case. 1 reference.