Forensic Science 3.2 - Essay Example

Forensic Science 3.2 Forensic Science 3.2 The different types of physical patterns involved in evidence include Physical Matches:Physical matching is a method of matching physical evidences such as torn or cut materials so as to determine the identity of two pieces of evidence. This could be performed by fitting the edges of the broken materials together to see if a match exists. A relevant example for this is the reconstruction pattern called glass fracture pattern. Here the various pieces of broken glass are physically matched to determine its common origin (Gaensslen, Harris and Lee, 2008).

The more the shattered pieces of glass, the more difficult reconstruction is. Then the reconstructed pattern is then compared to the experimentally developed pattern so as to see the connection.2. Imprints:Imprints are heavily useful in forensic identification. The most common example of an imprint sample in terms of physical evidence is the presence of fingerprints. It is an example of an individualization pattern that can be “packaged” and brought inside the laboratory unlike a reconstruction pattern.

Fingerprints found on physical evidences can now be stored and examined inside the laboratory and are important due to their ability to identify the unique individual associated with it. Friction ridge skin pattern is a method of analyzing fingerprints and comparing with other imprints found on evidences so as to identify a unique individual (Gaensslen, Harris and Lee, 2008).3. Indentation:Indentation is a three dimensional pattern which results from soft contact with an object as opposed to an imprint (Gaensslen, Harris and Lee, 2008).

A track and trail pattern made on sand, mud or earth can be described as an example of an indentation. This is due to the soft nature of surfaces such as sand which would result in an indentation. Indentations are useful marks that can allow useful examination of physical evidences as they indicate directions. In the case of track and trail pattern, drag marks can be followed and blood trails can be compared by means of chemical tests.4. Physical patterns:Physical patterns include skid marks and other marks let by vehicle tires.

Skid marks and other tire marks can be used for reconstructing car accidents and other incidents involving an automobile. Skid mark analysis is usually performed by an expert or a forensic engineer (Gaensslen, Harris and Lee, 2008). Various measurements such as length of a mark can direct towards different possibilities. These marks are documented either as a videotape or a photograph and then reconstructed and compared by means of a laboratory based examination. This can uncover many details regarding any failures that could have taken place by the vehicle.5. Trajectory Pattern:Trajectory patterns look at a path taken by any object during a flight.

This pattern is helpful in identifying the path taken by a bullet as it hits its target. It is particularly helpful in identifying the pattern of firearms. When reconstructing bullets shot at a body which is subsequently wounded, the reconstruction involves a pathologist who consults on the entry and exit pathways of a bullet inside the body. By analyzing trajectory patterns of bullet samples, a satisfactory theory can be established to test the evidences received from other sources, for example, from eye witnesses (Gaensslen, Harris and Lee, 2008).

ReferencesGaensslen, R. E, Howard A Harris, and Henry C Lee. Introduction To Forensic Science & Criminalistics. New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2008. Print.