NCJ Number
183394
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 44 Issue: 2 Dated: March 1999 Pages: 380-384
Date Published
March 1999
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article reports on conclusions drawn by several experts on the same footwear marks obtained in actual cases.
Abstract
A survey was conducted with two sets of shoeprints from actual crime scenes and the corresponding suspects’ shoes. Experts from several countries were asked to give their opinions on the probability that the suspect’s shoe made the impression at the crime scene. These particular cases were chosen because the opinions of experts differed greatly at the original examinations and much time was spent analyzing the cases until a common conclusion was reached. Seven laboratories in six countries participated in the survey, and a total of 23 experts gave their conclusions regarding the possible connection between the shoeprints found at the crime scene and suspects’ shoeprints. Ten responses were in the “inconclusive” and “possible” area, and the remainder in the “probable,” “highly probable,” and “identification” range. The article claims that such variance cannot be eliminated, but can be narrowed by using a set of guidelines that would assist the expert and lead him or her to a “right” conclusion. Figures, tables, references