Forensic Science Applied to Burned Victims
Forensic Science Applied to Burned Victims
Canadian forensic science is an integral component to the overall nature of victim identification. No matter the situation, Canada's forensic scientists are one of the first to arrive on the scene in order to collect pertinent clues for body cataloging. Basic identification is not so difficult a task for the most part, however, when the victim is burned beyond recognition, more complex methods must be utilized as a means by which to establish positive identification. These methods include, DNA fingerprinting, forensic odontology, and cranial base evaluation. With the incorporation of these methods, it has made identification of a severely burned body possible.
A body that has been only partially burned can be identified through DNA fingerprinting. By way of scientific intervention, Canadian forensic officials have been given an opportunity to crack many criminal cases involving unidentified burn victims that they may otherwise have had no further means of solving, all because the unique properties of DNA molecules are so conclusive in their association. "Validation studies are a crucial requirement before implementation of new genetic typing systems for clinical diagnostics or forensic identity" (). DNA, scientifically known as deoxyribonucleic acid, represents the very molecule of life containing all the hereditary data that is genetically passed through from one generation to the next. "Any technology has the potential to be misused, and charlatans exist in all fields. It is incumbent upon the forensic science community as a whole to monitor its members in the use of DNA or any forensic analysis" (Rudin et al, 1997 p. 319-323). As Patton notes, however, three of the primary concerns with regard to DNA and victim identification include the question of a "generally accepted scientific theory" (p. 223) that serves to support the reliability of DNA forensic testing; the extent to which current techniques or experiments can produce universally reliable and accepted results; and whether or not the particular laboratory has effectively applied these accepted techniques in testing the DNA samples. "There are problems, however, with DNA typing for police investigations. One of them is that it now takes about 2 weeks. In addition, a relatively large amount of blood or semen is required, which is a difficulty in using the test in homicide and rape cases" (Udall, 1990, p. PG). If the scalp has not burned, it has been discovered that dandruff can be a significant determinant to victim...