The fastest growing field of law is undoubtedly that of Medical Law with the civil and disciplinary cases flowing from it. Globalization, international communication, development and evolution of Law as well as Medicine, cause this worldwide rising medical litigation. Humanitarian rights, post-modern scepticism and even iconoclastic attitudes contribute to this phenomenon. Medico-legal litigation and disciplinary complaints rise (in South Africa) up to 10 per cent per year. To assist the courts and legal profession, in medico-legal issues, helping the parties where the plaintiff has the burden of proof and the defendant for rebuttal, a medical expert witness must be used. The dilemmas and pitfalls arise, in that although knowledgeable medical experts could be used to guide the courts to the correct decision, the lack of a legal mind setting, court procedure and legal knowledge could affect the relevance, credibility and reliability, making the medical evidence of poor quality. The legal profession, deliberately, could “abuse” medical expert witnesses with demanding and coercion of results, which have unrealistic and unreasonable expectations. “Case building” occurs, especially in the adversarial systems of law, making the medical expert vulnerable under cross-examination, when it is shown that the witness has turned into a “hired gun” or is unfair. Thus, lacunae develop, making reasonable cases difficult and a quagmire of facts have to be evaluated for unreasonableness, credibility and appropriateness, compounded by the fact that seldom, cases are comparable. The danger is that the presiding officer could be misled and with limited medical knowledge and misplaced values, could reach the wrong findings. Several cases arguably show that this has led to wrongful outcomes and even unacceptable jurisprudence. The desire to “win” a case, can make a medical witness lose credibility and reasonableness with loss of objectivity, realism and relevance. With personality traits and subjectivity, the case becomes argumentative, obstinate and could even lead to lies. The miasmatic, hostile witness emerges, leading to embarrassing, unnecessary prolongation of court procedures. The medical expert witness should be well guided by the legal profession and well informed of the issues. Medical witnesses should have legal training and insight into the legal and court procedures. At the time of discovery of documents, via arbitration or mediation, medical experts should strive to reach consensus and then present their unified finding, helping the parties fairly and expediting the legal procedure and processes. / Private Law / LLM

As últimas décadas trouxeram grandes avanços tecnológicos às ciências forenses. Um dos marcos dessa evolução foram às pesquisas e os resultados obtidos com a aplicação da Biologia Molecular, como ferramenta de identificação humana a partir da década de 80. Desde então, novos estudos vêm sendo realizados nesta área. Vestígios encontrados em locais de crime são elementos que irão orientar na busca pela elucidação dos fatos. Existem dois tipos de vestígios: os macrovestígios, facilmente identificados e os microvestígios que demandam análises técnicas mais específicas. Dentre os microvestígios, tem-se a impressão digital, que se tornou uma possível fonte de extração de DNA, com um grande potencial de recuperação do material genético. Este trabalho objetivou analisar amostras coletadas em microvestígios de impressões digitais em vários objetos escolhidos como superfície de deposição sendo elas, vidro, metal, plástico, madeira e parede de alvenaria, demonstrando que é possível estabelecer uma ligação entre as amostras de DNA e as impressões digitais encontradas. As amostras foram coletadas de impressões latentes intactas e em esfregaço e impressões digitais intactas e em esfregaço com pó. Os resultados demonstraram a viabilidade de utilização deste tipo de amostra, tendo em vista a recuperação de DNA e o êxito da genotipagem. Os resultados obtidos nas diferentes matrizes analisadas evidenciaram maior êxito na superfície de metal, onde foi possível obter perfil genético íntegro em todas as amostras coletadas e analisadas. Com relação à matriz vidro, nas amostras “intacta latente” e “esfregaço latente” foi possível recuperar perfil genético com mais de 17 locos amplificados. Já nas amostras “intactas e esfregaço com pó”, mesmo com a confirmação da presença de DNA, as quantidades recuperadas foram insuficientes para gerar o eletroferograma. Na matriz madeira, assim como na matriz plástico, foi constatada a presença de DNA, mas em baixa concentração para gerar o eletroferograma. E, por último, as amostras coletadas da matriz parede de alvenaria “intacta latente” e “intacta com pó”, apresentaram respectivamente amplificação de 17 e 19 locos dos 24 presentes no kit. Estudos e experimentos já tornaram esta metodologia viável no Laboratório de Genética Molecular Forense da Polícia Científica do Estado do Paraná, com resultados positivos em diversos casos, identificando suspeitos e contribuindo com a Rede Integrada de Banco de Perfis Genéticos (RIBPG). Os resultados demonstraram a eficiência e a possibilidade de se obter um perfil genético quando se trabalha com este tipo de amostra, tornando esta mais uma ferramenta pericial. / The last decades have brought great technological advances to the Forensic Sciences. The Molecular Biology has been used as a tool for human identification since the 80´s, and it has bought fantastic results from this application, being a landmark in the evolution of Forensic Science. Since this decade, new studies have been carried out in this area. Traces found in crime scenes are elements that can guide the search for the elucidation of the facts. There are two types of traces: macro-traces, that are easily identified and micro-traces that requires more specific technical analysis. One of the traces is the digital fingerprint, that is a possible source of DNA extraction, with great potential for recovery of the genetic material. This research has the purpose to analyze samples collected from fingerprints on various objects chosen as deposition surface, such as glass, metal, plastic, wood and masonry wall. This research shows that it is possible to establish a connection between DNA samples and fingerprints. Samples have been collected from intact and intact smears and fingerprints intact and smeared with powder. The results showed the feasibility of using this type of sample, based on the DNA recovery and the success of the genotyping. The results obtained in the different matrices analyzed showed greater results in the metal surface, where it was possible to obtain a complete genetic profile in all the samples Collected and analyzed. In the glass matrix, either the samples "latent intact" or in "latent smear" it was possible to recover genetic profile with more than 17 amplified loci. In the "intact and powder smear" samples, even with confirmation of the presence of DNA, the quantities recovered were insufficient to generate the electropherogram. In the wood matrix, such as in the plastic matrix, the presence of DNA was observed, but at low concentration to generate the electropherogram. Finally, the samples collected from the "latent intact" and "intact with powder" masonry wall samples, respectively, showed amplification of 17 and 19 loci of the 24 present in the kit. Some Studies and experiments have been done in the Forensic Molecular Genetics Laboratory of Scientific Police in Paraná with positive results in many cases, identifying suspects and contributing to the Integrated Network of Gene Prolifiling Banks (RIBPG). These studies have made this methodology feasible. The results show the efficiency and the possibility of obtaining a genetic profile from this type of sample, making this one more important pericial tool.

As últimas décadas trouxeram grandes avanços tecnológicos às ciências forenses. Um dos marcos dessa evolução foram às pesquisas e os resultados obtidos com a aplicação da Biologia Molecular, como ferramenta de identificação humana a partir da década de 80. Desde então, novos estudos vêm sendo realizados nesta área. Vestígios encontrados em locais de crime são elementos que irão orientar na busca pela elucidação dos fatos. Existem dois tipos de vestígios: os macrovestígios, facilmente identificados e os microvestígios que demandam análises técnicas mais específicas. Dentre os microvestígios, tem-se a impressão digital, que se tornou uma possível fonte de extração de DNA, com um grande potencial de recuperação do material genético. Este trabalho objetivou analisar amostras coletadas em microvestígios de impressões digitais em vários objetos escolhidos como superfície de deposição sendo elas, vidro, metal, plástico, madeira e parede de alvenaria, demonstrando que é possível estabelecer uma ligação entre as amostras de DNA e as impressões digitais encontradas. As amostras foram coletadas de impressões latentes intactas e em esfregaço e impressões digitais intactas e em esfregaço com pó. Os resultados demonstraram a viabilidade de utilização deste tipo de amostra, tendo em vista a recuperação de DNA e o êxito da genotipagem. Os resultados obtidos nas diferentes matrizes analisadas evidenciaram maior êxito na superfície de metal, onde foi possível obter perfil genético íntegro em todas as amostras coletadas e analisadas. Com relação à matriz vidro, nas amostras “intacta latente” e “esfregaço latente” foi possível recuperar perfil genético com mais de 17 locos amplificados. Já nas amostras “intactas e esfregaço com pó”, mesmo com a confirmação da presença de DNA, as quantidades recuperadas foram insuficientes para gerar o eletroferograma. Na matriz madeira, assim como na matriz plástico, foi constatada a presença de DNA, mas em baixa concentração para gerar o eletroferograma. E, por último, as amostras coletadas da matriz parede de alvenaria “intacta latente” e “intacta com pó”, apresentaram respectivamente amplificação de 17 e 19 locos dos 24 presentes no kit. Estudos e experimentos já tornaram esta metodologia viável no Laboratório de Genética Molecular Forense da Polícia Científica do Estado do Paraná, com resultados positivos em diversos casos, identificando suspeitos e contribuindo com a Rede Integrada de Banco de Perfis Genéticos (RIBPG). Os resultados demonstraram a eficiência e a possibilidade de se obter um perfil genético quando se trabalha com este tipo de amostra, tornando esta mais uma ferramenta pericial. / The last decades have brought great technological advances to the Forensic Sciences. The Molecular Biology has been used as a tool for human identification since the 80´s, and it has bought fantastic results from this application, being a landmark in the evolution of Forensic Science. Since this decade, new studies have been carried out in this area. Traces found in crime scenes are elements that can guide the search for the elucidation of the facts. There are two types of traces: macro-traces, that are easily identified and micro-traces that requires more specific technical analysis. One of the traces is the digital fingerprint, that is a possible source of DNA extraction, with great potential for recovery of the genetic material. This research has the purpose to analyze samples collected from fingerprints on various objects chosen as deposition surface, such as glass, metal, plastic, wood and masonry wall. This research shows that it is possible to establish a connection between DNA samples and fingerprints. Samples have been collected from intact and intact smears and fingerprints intact and smeared with powder. The results showed the feasibility of using this type of sample, based on the DNA recovery and the success of the genotyping. The results obtained in the different matrices analyzed showed greater results in the metal surface, where it was possible to obtain a complete genetic profile in all the samples Collected and analyzed. In the glass matrix, either the samples "latent intact" or in "latent smear" it was possible to recover genetic profile with more than 17 amplified loci. In the "intact and powder smear" samples, even with confirmation of the presence of DNA, the quantities recovered were insufficient to generate the electropherogram. In the wood matrix, such as in the plastic matrix, the presence of DNA was observed, but at low concentration to generate the electropherogram. Finally, the samples collected from the "latent intact" and "intact with powder" masonry wall samples, respectively, showed amplification of 17 and 19 loci of the 24 present in the kit. Some Studies and experiments have been done in the Forensic Molecular Genetics Laboratory of Scientific Police in Paraná with positive results in many cases, identifying suspects and contributing to the Integrated Network of Gene Prolifiling Banks (RIBPG). These studies have made this methodology feasible. The results show the efficiency and the possibility of obtaining a genetic profile from this type of sample, making this one more important pericial tool.

Forensic science has a significant historical and contemporary relationship with the criminal justice system. It is a relationship between two disciplines whose origins stem from different backgrounds. It is trite that effective communication assist in resolving underlying problems in any given context. However, a lack of communication continues to characterise the intersection between law and science. As recently as 2019, a six-part symposium on the use of forensic science in the criminal justice system again posed the question on how the justice system could ensure the reliability of forensic science evidence presented during trials. As the law demands finality, science is always evolving and can never be considered finite or final. Legal systems do not always adapt to the nature of scientific knowledge, and are not willing to abandon finality when that scientific knowledge shifts. Advocacy plays an important role in the promotion of forensic science, particularly advocacy to the broader scientific community for financial support, much needed research and more testing. However, despite its important function, advocacy should not be conflated with science. The foundation of advocacy is a cause; whereas the foundation of science is fact. The objective of this research was to conduct a qualitative literature review of the field of forensic science; to identify gaps in the knowledge of forensic science and its integration in the criminal justice system. The literature review will provide researchers within the field of forensic science with suggested research topics requiring further examination and research. To achieve its objective, the study critically analysed the historical development of, and evaluated the use of forensic science evidence in legal systems generally, including its role regarding the admissibility or inadmissibility of the evidence in the courtroom. In conclusion, it was determined that the breadth of forensic scientific knowledge is comprehensive but scattered. The foundational underpinning of the four disciplines, discussed in this dissertation, has been put to the legal test on countless occasions. Some gaps still remain that require further research in order to strengthen the foundation of the disciplines. Human influence will always be present in examinations and interpretations and will lean towards subjective decision making. / Jurisprudence / D. Phil.

Text in English / The primary aim of this study is to determine the significance of the application of physical surveillance as a method in the investigation of insurance fraud conducted by the Surveillance Unit at the Forensic Department of Discovery Life. Various objectives were fulfilled in this study:  To explore, identify and describe the value of the application of physical surveillance, as a forensic investigation method, in order to determine the significance of this method in the investigation of insurance fraud at the Forensic Department of Discovery Life.  To determine whether the application of physical surveillance at the Forensic Department of Discovery Life is achieving its intended objective relating to the degree to which the beneficiary’s (Discovery Life) situation has changed as a result of this method.  To apply new information, acquired from the findings of this study, to further develop good practice and enhance performance in order to empower investigators at Discovery Life with new knowledge relating to the application of physical surveillance in the investigation of insurance fraud. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with forensic investigators employed at the Forensic Department at Discovery Life. The research has revealed that the majority of forensic investigators, other than the Surveillance Unit, at the Forensic Department of Discovery Life do not utilise physical surveillance during insurance fraud investigations to assist them in gathering evidence. These investigators also had a lack of knowledge and skills regarding the utilisation of physical surveillance during insurance fraud investigations and the advantages of this method during insurance fraud investigations. As a result of the non-utilisation of physical surveillance during insurance fraud investigations conducted at the Forensic Department of Discovery Life, important information and evidence with regard to the movement and actions of identified perpetrators who commit insurance fraud are lost to the investigators. However, the significance of the application of physical surveillance in the investigation of insurance fraud is emphasised by the forensic investigators attached to the Surveillance Unit of Discovery Life who utilise physical surveillance on a daily basis to investigate insurance fraud. The research has further revealed that insurance fraud is a major concern to the insurance industry, but can be mitigated through the implementation of unconventional investigative methods, such as physical surveillance, to enhance investigative capabilities. It was recommended that all forensic investigators at Discovery Life be trained in the techniques of physical surveillance to address shortcomings of general and out-dated investigation methods. / Criminology and Security Science / M. Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

Submitted by Elba Lopes (elba.lopes@fecap.br) on 2017-08-15T20:21:00Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Adriana Cristina Pino Volejnik.pdf: 3552207 bytes, checksum: ce70bc720af6e42f000e13a805cc35e9 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-08-15T20:21:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Adriana Cristina Pino Volejnik.pdf: 3552207 bytes, checksum: ce70bc720af6e42f000e13a805cc35e9 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-01-26 / This is a study about how the legal evidence was organized within the criminal sphere, the reason behind it and how this forensic accounting report was added into the Court Case number 470 (AP 470/2007), the "Mensal??o". Structured on both qualitative research and the analysis of the case files (about 63.000 pages until the rulling) through a protocol based on Dempster's Evidence Theory. The data was structured, categorized and classified to allow not only for better identification of the main phases of the "Mensal??o" and of it's documentation, but also to identify characteristics on both technical evidence and forensic accounting report. Throughout the process, 215 pieces of technical evidence were found, of which 30 were mentioned at the rulling by Ministers of the Supreme Court, rapporteur and proofreader. Among these 30 where the 8 main reports made by the Brazillian Federal Police's accounting expert, reggarded as the most solid and complete documents on the AP 470/2007 case. The whole process estabilished the forensic accounting within the criminal sphere, seeing how it transformed financial transgression into something tangible. It estabilished the role of the accounting expert as an asset to solve both criminal and legal questions, as well reinforcing the importance of the forensic accounting as a powerfull tool in the battle against corruption. / Esta pesquisa investigou como foi organizado o conjunto probat??rio no ??mbito criminal, o prop??sito e a forma das provas periciais cont??beis juntadas ?? A????o Penal 470, o Caso Mensal??o. ?? uma pesquisa qualitativa e documental. Foi analisada a ??ntegra dos autos da A????o Penal 470 (cerca de 63.000 p??ginas, at?? a emiss??o do Ac??rd??o), com o uso de um protocolo de an??lise, apoiado na Teoria das Provas. O material foi sistematizado por meio de classifica????o e categoriza????o dos dados, o que permitiu identificar as principais fases do processo e pe??as processuais, as caracter??sticas das mat??rias t??cnico-cient??ficas e dos laudos periciais cont??beis. Foram localizadas 215 provas de natureza t??cnica. Dessas, 30 foram mencionadas no Ac??rd??o pelos Ministros do STF, Relator e Revisor, sendo 8 os Laudos periciais cont??beis estudados, produzidos por peritos cont??beis da Pol??cia Federal, por terem sido as provas cont??beis mais robustas da AP 470/2007. Foi constatada a utilidade da per??cia cont??bil no ??mbito criminal, na medida em que trouxe materialidade a crimes de natureza patrimonial financeira. Constatou-se como atuam os peritos oficiais para colaborar na resolu????o de quest??es legais, em atendimento ??s demandas do conjunto de operadores legais do Mensal??o. Busca-se contribuir para consolidar o entendimento sobre a import??ncia da per??cia cont??bil no combate ?? corrup????o.

The primary aim of this study is to determine the significance of the application of physical surveillance as a method in the investigation of insurance fraud conducted by the Surveillance Unit at the Forensic Department of Discovery Life. Various objectives were fulfilled in this study:  To explore, identify and describe the value of the application of physical surveillance, as a forensic investigation method, in order to determine the significance of this method in the investigation of insurance fraud at the Forensic Department of Discovery Life.  To determine whether the application of physical surveillance at the Forensic Department of Discovery Life is achieving its intended objective relating to the degree to which the beneficiary’s (Discovery Life) situation has changed as a result of this method.  To apply new information, acquired from the findings of this study, to further develop good practice and enhance performance in order to empower investigators at Discovery Life with new knowledge relating to the application of physical surveillance in the investigation of insurance fraud. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with forensic investigators employed at the Forensic Department at Discovery Life. The research has revealed that the majority of forensic investigators, other than the Surveillance Unit, at the Forensic Department of Discovery Life do not utilise physical surveillance during insurance fraud investigations to assist them in gathering evidence. These investigators also had a lack of knowledge and skills regarding the utilisation of physical surveillance during insurance fraud investigations and the advantages of this method during insurance fraud investigations. As a result of the non-utilisation of physical surveillance during insurance fraud investigations conducted at the Forensic Department of Discovery Life, important information and evidence with regard to the movement and actions of identified perpetrators who commit insurance fraud are lost to the investigators. However, the significance of the application of physical surveillance in the investigation of insurance fraud is emphasised by the forensic investigators attached to the Surveillance Unit of Discovery Life who utilise physical surveillance on a daily basis to investigate insurance fraud. The research has further revealed that insurance fraud is a major concern to the insurance industry, but can be mitigated through the implementation of unconventional investigative methods, such as physical surveillance, to enhance investigative capabilities. It was recommended that all forensic investigators at Discovery Life be trained in the techniques of physical surveillance to address shortcomings of general and out-dated investigation methods. / Criminology and Security Science / M. Tech. (Forensic Investigation)