NCJ Number
97900
Journal
Canadian Society of Forensic Science Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1985) Pages: 32-37
Date Published
1985
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the veracity of statements such as: 'Although one may not say that an evidence specimen of hair belongs to a particular person, one can at least assert that the hair did not come from certain other persons.'
Abstract
Two inferences are drawn from statements such as the one quoted above. First, it is never possible to make positive identifications or draw strong positive conclusions on the basis of hair comparisons. Second, eliminations occur frequently and strong negative conclusions can be readily given. To properly present evidence, a hair examiner should use a symmetrical spectrum of conclusions. These conclusions may include a strong positive (the questioned hairs originated from the same person as the known sample) or a strong negative (the questioned hairs could not have originated from the same person as the known sample). However, the great majority of hair comparisons will result in normal positive (questioned hairs are consistent with having originated from the same person as the known sample) or normal negative (questioned hairs are not consistent with having originated from the same person as the known sample). Accordingly, hair comparison evidence is generally of value only when used in conjunction with other evidence. Five tables and 11 references are provided. (Author abstract modified)