NCJ Number
224714
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 53 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2008 Pages: 1053-1060
Date Published
September 2008
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This report examines the current status of palynology--the study of pollen grains and spores (palynomorphs)--in the field of forensic science.
Abstract
The application of palynology to forensic science has had mixed success. There are many anecdotal stories in which pollen evidence has had spectacular successes as either investigative or associative evidence. On the other hand, this type of evidence is rarely used in most countries. In addition, the unstructured manner in which this science has been applied to forensic problems has resulted in a lack of formal discussion of the scientific principles underlying the applications of palynology in forensic science. There has been little experimentation and modeling in order to show the validity of its applications. The current legal environment includes renewed questioning of the acceptability of most evidence types; therefore, forensic palynologists should take the lead in promoting the status of their field through validation-type studies and experimentation. Forensic palynology can learn from other forensic disciplines that conform to the Daubert criteria by which scientific testimony must be evaluated before it can be admitted. Daubert criteria require that the science used in testimony has general acceptance in a particular scientific community, has undergone peer review and publication, has a known or potential error rate, and is capable of scientific testing. By laying a solid foundation upon which the science can be better promoted and understood by those outside the field, forensic palynology can gain greater acceptance and use internationally, rather than being restricted to a few local jurisdictions in some countries. 40 references