Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences |
Subtitle of host publication | Second Edition |
Publisher | Elsevier Inc. |
Pages | 279-285 |
Number of pages | 7 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780123821652 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780123821669 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2013 |
Abstract
The forensic examination of trace evidence requires an understanding of the many facets of the forensic process from the crime scene to the laboratory and, ultimately, the courts. Trace evidence examination has the potential to contribute forensic intelligence at the investigative stage, especially in helping to answer the 'what happened' question. The role of the crime scene examiner in recognizing the potential value of trace evidence is stressed in this article as 'evidence not recovered is evidence lost.' The technical and scientific examination of trace evidence as well as the interpretation of recovered trace evidence in the forensic context is considered.