NCJ Number
97506
Journal
Journal of the Forensic Science Society Volume: 24 Issue: 5 Dated: (September/October 1984) Pages: 473-482
Date Published
1984
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Six questions often asked in the attempt to evaluate associative evidence are discussed.
Abstract
The relevance of each question to evaluation of the evidence is considered, resulting in the rejection of five of the six questions. The fundamental relevant question remaining is, 'Given the objects defined by the offense, how frequently would we encounter incriminating objects among suspects?' The terms 'Crime Object' and 'Suspect Object' are introduced to help ensure proper formulation of the relevant question. The relationship of this question to likelihood ratios is briefly discussed, along with the implications for data collection. (Publisher abstract)