Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-l7hp2 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-23T05:48:43.712Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

The Influence of Microspectroscopy on Evaluating and Analyzing Forensic Evidence

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 March 2018

John A. Reffner  and
Pauline E. Leary
John A. Reffner*
Affiliation:
Smiths Detection, Danbury, CT
Pauline E. Leary
Affiliation:
Smiths Detection, Danbury, CT
*
[email protected]

Extract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.

The evaluation and analysis of evidence using infrared, Raman, and SEM/EDX microprobe methods has advanced forensic science. Forensic science deals with the interaction of science with the law. This interaction requires that certain standards are met before scientific evidence is admitted in either a civil or criminal case. While the Court's burden of proof is different for a civil case than for a criminal case, the standards of evidence admissibility are not. Forensic scientists must defend their methods and conclusions in Court, regardless of whether they are a trace analyst identifying fibers, a drug analyst determining if the white powder found on a suspected criminal was cocaine, or a pharmaceutical researcher discovering new solid-state forms of a drug. Today, microspectroscopy is a primary technology used within all forensic science disciplines to increase the value of evidence. Modern microbeam methods are extending observations, enhancing documentation, providing additional information, aiding deductions, and testing hypotheses. This increase in value of scientific evidence is pivotal in adjudicating both civil and criminal litigation.

Type
Research Article
Information
Microscopy Today , Volume 14 , Issue 2 , March 2006 , pp. 6 - 13
Copyright
Copyright © Microscopy Society of America 2006

References

References:

1 Miranda, Michelle D. Infrared analysis of forensic evidence: A comparison of transmission and reflection methods. Thesis (M.S.)--John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 2003.Google Scholar
2 SWGDRUG Methods of Analysis, October 2003.Google Scholar
3 ASTM E2329-04, "Standard Practice for Identification of Seized Drugs", ASTM International.Google Scholar
4 Moorehead, W. "A Brief Background and Justification for the Continued Use of Microcrystal Tests". The CAC News, Third Quarter 2000.Google Scholar
5 ASTM E1968-98(2003), "Standard Guide for Microcrystal Testing in the Forensic Analysis of Cocaine", ASTM International.Google Scholar
6 ASTME2125-01(2001). "Standard Guide for Microcrystal Testing in the Forensic Analysis of Phencyclidine and its Analogues", ASTM International.Google Scholar
7 ASTM E1969-01(1998). "Standard Guide for Microcrystal Testing in the Forensic Analysis of Methamphetamine and Amphetamine", ASTM International.Google Scholar
8 Swiatko, J, De Forest, P.R. & Zedeck, M.S. (2003). Further Studies on Spot Tests and Microcrystal Tests for Identification of Cocaine. J Forensic Sci, Vol. 48. No. 3, 1–5.Google Scholar
9 http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/02/briefing/3900Bl_04_Polymorphism.htm Google Scholar
10 Glaxo, Inc., v. Novopharm Ltd., 931 F. Supp. 1280 (E.D.N.C. 1996)Google Scholar
11 Shalaev, E. & Zografi, G. (1996). How does residual water affect the solidstate degradation of drugs in the amorphous state? / Pharm Sci, 85, 1137–1141.Google Scholar