NCJ Number
152642
Journal
Criminal Law Bulletin Volume: 30 Issue: 6 Dated: (November-December 1994) Pages: 556-565
Date Published
1994
Length
10 pages
Annotation
The scanning electron microscope (SEM) is described in terms of the analytic technique it involves, the potential forensic uses, the case law concerning the admissibility of SEM analyses, and related issues.
Abstract
The SEM can produce magnifications exceeding 300,000 times. It has been used in both civil and criminal cases. Among the many possible forensic applications are the identification of bloodstains, analyzing counterfeit coins, studying firing pin impressions, viewing small features of hair strands, and examining incinerated teeth. SEM analysis has been admitted in some criminal cases, but the proponent of testimony about a particular application of the SEM technique will have to demonstrate the empirical validation of the hypothesis that SEM can be successfully adapted to perform a specific forensic task. The weight problems posed by SEM evidence relate both to its introduction and to the lack of SEM evidence. The emergence of this technology has greatly improved the power to magnify and identify characteristics of physical evidence and should not be overlooked amid the publicity about DNA evidence. Footnotes