8127/frame/fm

 
The results
 
The true result
 
A false negative result
 
A false positive result
 
An inconclusive result
 
No result
 
What does it mean?
 
(A)ssumptions + (F)acts = (I)nference
 
Inference
:
to conclude from something known or assumed.
 
Opinion
:
a judgment not based on absolute certainty or positive
knowledge, but on what seems true, valid, or probable
to one’s own mind.
 
Conclusion
: the last division of a discourse, usually containing a sum-
ming up of the points and a statement of opinion or
decisions reached.
 
Communication
 
The report
• Summary
• Purpose
• List of evidence received and examined
• Examination and results
• Interpretation and conclusion
 
Criminalistics and the Law
• Identification evidence is direct evidence. It does not require an infer-
ence to be relevant evidence.
• Potentially individualizing evidence is circumstantial evidence. It
requires an inference to be relevant evidence.
• Evidence must be relevant (answer a question about a fact in question)
to be admitted into a court of law.
8127/frame/apps B-G Page 357 Friday, July 21, 2000 11:43 AM

---

---

359
 
Appendix G
 
Physical Evidence by Origin
1
Shape shifters do not meet these requirements.
 
Nonbiological
Physical Match
Anything that can divide and retain its shape
1
Prints and Impressions
Prints
Shoeprints
Tire tracks
Impressions
Shoe impressions
Tire impressions
Toolmarks
Firearms
“Trace”
Fibers, Particles, Soil, Paint, etc.
Drugs
Solid dose drug analysis
Toxicology
Questioned Documents
Handwriting/typesetting
Paper and ink