Thesis (M. A.)--Roger Williams University, 2008. / Title from title page screen (viewed on Oct. 29, 2008) Includes bibliographical references. 1 print copy is also available in university archives.

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2004. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains vii, 49 p. : ill. (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 44-45).

Thesis (doctoral)--Universiẗat Göttingen, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 309-327).

Abstract in English and Afrikaans / This study has a twofold purpose in that it attempts to identify how knowledgeable investigators are about the collection and use of DNA in relation to the building of a criminal case, and to establish how optimally DNA as evidence is utilised. The study has revealed several shortcomings which render the use of DNA evidence inadmissible in criminal proceedings. The researcher also analysed other aspects relating to DNA evidence, namely: identification, individualisation, criminal investigation, forensic investigation, and objectives of criminal investigation. For criminal investigators to be successful in their investigation of cases involving DNA, it is imperative for them to have a clear understanding of the basic concepts surrounding DNA investigations and the value of DNA evidence. It is submitted that, because of a lack of knowledge in DNA-related investigations by detectives, a lack of training in DNA-related cases and delays in the collection of DNA evidence, valuable evidence is often lost and/or contaminated. This causes such evidence to become inadmissible in criminal proceedings, and has a negative impact on the conviction rate for such crimes. / Hierdie studie het ’n tweevoudige doel in die poging om te identifiseer hoe kundig ondersoekers is aangaande die insameling en gebruik van DNA in terme van die bou van ’n kriminele saak en die vasstel van hoe DNA optimal [sic] as bewys gebruik kan word. Die studie het getoon dat daar verskeie tekortkominge is wat teweeg gebring het dat die gebruik van DNA bewys onaanvaarbaar was in kriminele prosedure. Die navorser het ook ander aspekte geanaliseer aangaande DNA bewyse, naamlik: identifikasie, individualisering van onderwerpe tydens ondersoek, kriminele ondersoek, forensiese ondersoek, en die aspekte van kri-minele ondersoeke. Vir die kriminele ondersoekers om suksesvol te wees in hulle ondersoek van sake waarby DNA betrokke is, is dit vir hulle van kardinale belang om ’n suiwere begrip van die basiese konsep rondom DNA ondersoeke en die waarde van DNA bewyse te hê. Dit is voortgebring dat, as gevolg van die tekort aan kennis in DNA ondersoeke, asook opleiding van DNA-sake by die speurders, en vertraging in die versameling van DNA bewysstukke, waardevolle bewyse is telkens verlore of gekontamineer. Dit veroorsaak dat sulke bewyse verwerp word in kriminele prosesse, en het ’n negatiewe impak op die vonnis statestieke [sic] vir sulke misdade. / Criminology and Security Science / M.Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

No description available.

No description available.

University of Macau / Faculty of Law

University of Macau / Faculty of Law

When justice goes wrong, grave consequences entail. They are damaging to the standing of the legal system and people’s lives. Humans are not good at assessing uncertainties. Parties to a legal proceeding adduce evidence to support or reject hypotheses. Errors happen when the tribunal fails to consider properly all the evidence in the context of inherent probabilities or improbabilities. This research work does not advocate trials by mathematics or statistics. This work extends the understanding of the application of Bayesian Networks in the law domain. The original contribution to knowledge is the analysis of evidence by Bayesian Network in the context of specific legal requirements of Hong Kong. The research questions are: 1. What are the legal requirements for the analysis of evidence in a criminal trial in Hong Kong? 2. How can a Bayesian Network be constructed for the purpose of such analysis? 3. Is such a Bayesian Network effective for the analysis? In answering the questions, this research work examined the feasibility of generic models created for digital crime scene investigations and concluded that each case must be, for the purpose of analysis of evidence in the trial, represented by a different Bayesian Network. This research work examined the trial processes, the tasks of tribunal of facts of criminal trials and some appellate decisions in Hong Kong. The work also created models of reasoning processes for the juries in Hong Kong. The work then compared the properties of Bayesian Networks with the processes of evaluation of evidence during trials. This research work also considered the reluctance of courts in the United Kingdom to allow experts to express their opinions on the bases of Bayesian calculations; even though trials are practically evaluations of uncertainties and assignments of degrees of beliefs. This research work then constructed a schedule of levels of proof and proposed a schematic method, to be used with the schedule, to construct Bayesian Networks for any types of trial in Hong Kong. The method requires an analyst to go through a mass of evidence systematically, and analyse their relationships amongst the ultimate probandum, the penultimate probanda, the intermediate propositions, the facts in issue and the facts relevant to the issue. This work then demonstrated the applications by two criminal cases in Hong Kong. The analyses show that the construction of Bayesian Network by the schematic method enables an analyst to take precaution to reach an assessment rationally and to approximate as far as capable his or her belief to the facts in issue. / published_or_final_version / Computer Science / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

Condom trace evidence must not be overlooked in sexual assault cases; understanding the chemical and physical characteristics of condoms is imperative if condoms are to be useful evidence. Previous research shows that condom identification is possible, but it is equally important to evaluate durability of condom residues versus time. Using FT-IR, this study examined vaginal swabs from subjects who self-sampled at intervals for up to 72 hours after having intercourse with a condom. This study investigated whether age and the stage of the menstrual cycle affected the durability of residues in the vagina over time. This study revealed that condoms containing nonoxynol-9, silicone-based lubricants, and particulates provide valuable information for identification, and that nonoxynol-9 specifically withstands the vaginal environment for up to 72 hours. Additionally, age and menstrual cycle both appeared to have an effect on the durability of residues although larger sample size is desirable.