Inadequacy of Forensic Hair Analysis

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes forensic hair analysis, and traditional evidentiary methodologies, concluding that although forensic hair analysis is often instrumental to crime solving, it is essentially inadequate unless extensive nuclear and mitochondrial DNA analysis is also conducted and considered. It also discusses technological advances in this area, and the future of DNA testing in the United States.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
History of Forensic Hair Analysis
Hair Analysis: The Process
DNA Testing
Forensic Hair Analysis and DNA Analysis
DNA Testing Compliance
Comparison of Hair Examination and other Evidentiary Methodologies
Future Advances in DNA Testing
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The science of hair comparison has been used in thousands of criminal cases all over the United States for decades. Hair, because of its widespread presence at crime scenes, has great evidentiary value in forensic science. Even if a suspect has tried to clean the crime scene of any evidence such as personal possessions, fingerprints or footprints, hair strands always seem to stick in the matter found in that area. Since hair is so personal to individuals, it serves as a great indicator of who was there. The forensic testing of hair strands has very early roots. It was first used as evidence in 1861, but did not gain scientific acceptance until after the turn of century, and public acceptance until the late 1950's. During this time the public acceptance of hair testing was widespread, and police received enormous support for any evidence consisting of hair strands."

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