NCJ Number
192028
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 46 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2001 Pages: 1288-1293
Date Published
November 2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
In the case reported in this article, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the statistical variation in cut-mark width between control and test samples on bone using a scalpel blade, paring knife, and kitchen utility knife.
Abstract
SEM has occasionally been used by anthropologists and forensic scientists to look at morphological characteristics that certain implements leave on bone; however, few studies have addressed techniques or protocols for assessing quantitative differences between tool marks on bone made by different bladed implements. In the current study, SEM found statistically significant differences (p<.0005) between cut marks made by the same knife under control and test conditions for all three knife types used in the study. When the control sample and test samples were examined individually for differences in mean variation between knife types, significant differences were also found. Although significant differences in cut mark width were found, caution should be used in attempting to classify individual cut marks as being inflicted by a particular implement, due to the overlap in cut-mark width that exists between different knife types. When combined, both quantitative and qualitative analyses of cut marks should prove to be more useful in trying to identify a suspect weapon. Furthermore, the application of SEM can be particularly useful for assessing many of these features. 6 figures, 1 table, and 13 references