Andrew Ajaka

Mr. Leaf

Criminal Law

Due: Wednesday, March 15th, 2017

Science and Crime Solving

1. What was wrong with the theory that spalling was a sure sign of arson?

a. Spalling, in the study of forensic data, is a phenomenon when a concrete floor

bursts under intense heats. If the temperatures were high enough to do this kind of

damage to the floor, then it was considered enough evidence to suggest that a

substance was used to set the place ablaze, such as gasoline. This however does

not align with what John Lentini believes about this. He believes such

assumptions are outdated. Research suggests that ventilation, much more than

what stared the fire, determines the speed of the fire, meaning that spalling for

example can occur completely in the absence of arsenic tools such as gasoline.

2. How can a DNA sample be used to predict a possible perpetrators appearance?

a. DNA phenotyping is a technique that allows forensics analysts can utilize in order

to determine the most probably outer appearance of a perpetrator. This is done

through the analysis of different genes and their relation to a persons outer

appearance. For example, Europeans and Eastern Asians who have pale skin will

generally have a particular gene that has been linked to this pale skin. If you have

two of these genes you will most likely be European and, those who arent only

one. They will have much lighter skins then those with none at all. Including this,
 polymorphisms can be found in DNA that are generally associated with physics;

features such as hair or eye color.

3. Does this article suggest that evidence based on human hairs is reliable?

a. This particular article suggests that human hair, as evidence in an investigation, is

not as reliable as other evidence. The example given is that Kirk Odom was

convicted for rape after an expert testimony was given that stated that a hair on

the victims nightgown matched his. Odom spent over 22 years incarcerated and 8

more on parole before DNA tests eventually proved his innocence and identified

the real culprit. It is so unreliable, that the FBI is currently reviewing hundreds of

other cases where the hair analyses may have been given much too much value

then it shouldve.