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2023 Issue 3 (Total No. 0)
Published: 15 May 2023 Previous Issue    Next Issue
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Special Topic Discussion: Reliability of Appraisal Opinions and Evidence Analysis
Forensic Review
Forensic Science
Forensic Forum


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Special Topic Discussion: Reliability of Appraisal Opinions and Evidence Analysis

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Study on the Reliability of Forensic Science / Forensic Appraisal Opinions WANG Xu, ZHANG Mingrui, 2023(3): 1-8.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-2072.2023.03.001 Abstract ( )   PDF (1235KB) ( )   In order to adapt to various investigation and evidence application purposes, forensic science/forensic appraisal opinions should have the characteristics of reliability and validity. This article begins with the question of the reliability of forensic science, and systematically sorts out the related concepts of forensic science. Taking the court science report of the US President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology in criminal justice as a reference, the central idea of the report is the reliability of appraisal opinions such as repeatability, reproducibility, and accuracy. The scientific standards for the reliability of forensic appraisal methods in the report are also extracted, which include foundational validity and validity as applied. The former includes two main elements: the need for reproducible and consistent appraisal procedures, and the need to empirically study the false positive rate and sensitivity. Based on the above review and analysis, it is proposed that the construction of reliability of the current appraisal opinions should include: ensuring the universal acceptance of scientific theories/methods applied by the forensic science community; ensuring the scientific validity of the appraisal method itself; setting requirements for the eligibility of appraisal personnel; preventing the influence of motive bias and cognitive bias on reliability; and strengthening the internal verification construction of forensic appraisal and comprehensively enhancing the quality control of forensic science/forensic appraisal to ensure the reliability of appraisal opinions. Related Articles | Metrics

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Research on the Reliability of Appraisal Opinions ZHANG Baosheng, DONG Shuai 2023(3): 9-20.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-2072.2023.03.002 Abstract ( )   PDF (1691KB) ( )   The reliability of forensic expertise is an important dimension of the credibility of evidence. Compared with the threshold of evidence entry of relevance, reliability is the main indication of the quality of forensic evidence, and unreliable forensic expertise becomes the source of the error of fact-finding. We think there are three main ways to enhance the reliability of forensic expertise: The first is to strengthen the quality management of forensic examination process, including attaching importance to the role of pre-evaluation procedure, establishing the traceability mechanism of the materials, and maintaining the “neutrality” of forensic institutions and forensic practitioners. The second is to improve the production and cross-examination of the forensic expertise in court, including the proof of the identity or authenticity of materials by identification or authentication witnesses with their personal knowledge, and forensic practitioners presenting their forensic expertise, the cross-examination of the forensic expertise by lawyers and expert-assistants. The third is the deliberation of the “foundational validity” and the “validity as applied” of the forensic expertise by judges. While reviewing the “foundational validity”, the key is to grasp the “error rate” and “forensic technology standard”. Besides, we explore the quantitative control idea of the likelihood ratio in the whole process of forensic examination. Related Articles | Metrics

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Restatement and Review Path of the Reliability of Uncertain Appraisal Opinions GUO Hua 2023(3): 21-28.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-2072.2023.03.003 Abstract ( )   PDF (1081KB) ( )   The reliability of appraisal opinions is closely related to whether they can repeatedly obtain consistent results. Uncertain appraisal opinions, as a normal phenomenon of appraisal results, have reliability if the uncertain results can be repeated or consistent during re-appraisal, meeting the requirements of scientific appraisal. The reliability of the confirmation of uncertain appraisal opinions with positive and negative tendencies varies depending on the direction of the results, which to some extent affects the admissibility of the appraisal opinions as evidence. However, the method of cross-examination through falsification can enhance or weaken its credibility and obtain the result of validity. If the appraisal opinion cannot be falsified and has scientific validity, it can play a role in determining the facts of the case. When reviewing uncertain appraial opinions， opinion that does not conform to science should be excluded first, and then review opinions reliability. The consistency of repetition is checked through program control to ensure the scientificity of the appraisal. Judicial practice should be vigilant in excluding all uncertain appraisal opinions. And theoretically, it is also necessary to abandon the bias that all uncertain appraisal opinions are unreliable, and return them to the essence of scientific appraisal and their inherent functions. Related Articles | Metrics

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The Legal Expression of the Standard of Reliability of Appraisal Opinions: From the Perceptive of Comparative Law WU Hongqi, CHENG Xiaoai 2023(3): 29-35.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-2072.2023.03.004 Abstract ( )   PDF (1000KB) ( )   In the legal perspective, the standard of reliability of expert opinions and construction of regulation system is the requirement of strengthening the review of appraisal opinions. In the U.S., the standard of reliability of scientific evidence had experienced the process of brewing, forming and systemizing. The reform of U.S. in this regard had affected deeply the other Anglo-American countries, such as Canada and the U.K.. These countries had constructed, apart from general standards of evidence review, special standard for the reliability of appraisal opinions and chosen different regulation models according to different situations in their countries. By comparing the reform in these countries, we can sum up some essential factors regarding the model of the reliability standard of appraisal opinions. The construction of regulation system in China can also learn much from the comparison of the reform in these countries. We should establish the standard of reliability of appraisal oppinion in our country and make it as the core of a complete system of regulations for appraisal opinion review. Related Articles | Metrics

Forensic Review

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Review of Paint Evidence Analysis SUN Qiran, WANG Yachen, ZHANG Qinghua, BIAN Xinwei 2023(3): 36-44.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-2072.2023.03.005 Abstract ( )   PDF (1328KB) ( )   Paint evidence is the most common type of trace evidence. In hit-and-run traffic accidents, burglary and other cases, the identification results of paint samples are often the key evidence to connect clues. As an industrial product having complex components, the identification of paint samples needs to use a variety of inspection methods, including microscopic examination, infrared spectrometry and elemental analysis, and analyze these results comprehensively to draw a correct conclusion. The progress of identification technology for paint evidence from 2016 to 2022 was analyzed and summarized from the aspects of new examination methods, systematic inspection methods and distinguishing effect, chemometric analysis, and the interpretation of results. Additionally, future development directions such as studying on non-destructive inspection technology, constructing high discrimination inspection system, applying artificial intelligence tools, and building basic databases were proposed. Related Articles | Metrics

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Advances in Forensic Research on the Extraction and Analysis of DNA from Skeletal Specimens YANG Zihao, XIA Ruocheng, WANG Sixian, YANG Guangyuan, TAO Ruiyang, DU Zhichun 2023(3): 45-52.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-2072.2023.03.006 Abstract ( )   PDF (936KB) ( )   The extraction and detection of DNA from skeletal remains are important components of the forensic DNA identification process for mass disaster victims, missing persons, and criminal cases. The quality and quantity of DNA in skeletal remains can be influenced by the location and type of bones, as well as factors such as temperature, humidity, microbes, and pH. With the improvements in STR loci, DNA detection kits, SNP technology, and mitochondrial DNA detection techniques, the success rate of extracting and detecting DNA from skeletal remains has increased. It is essential to understand the environmental factors that affect DNA extraction and detection from skeletal remains and to select appropriate detection methods. This article reviewed the research progress in environmental factors that affect the quality of DNA in skeletal remains and the methods of DNA extraction and detection, hoping to provide guidance and insights for the forensic practice when using skeletal remains as evidence. Related Articles | Metrics

Forensic Science

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Identification of New Synthetic Cannabinoids Psychoactive Substances ADB-BUTINACA and 4-Fluoro ABUTINACA in the Seized Electronic Cigarette Oil GUO Ying, WU Bo, YANG Qiao, WANG Xuehu, CUI Mingwei, SU Mengxiang 2023(3): 53-60.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-2072.2023.03.007 Abstract ( )   PDF (1849KB) ( )   Objective To establish a method for the identification of new synthetic cannabinoids psychoactive substances in seized e-cigarette oil by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry （GC-MS） and liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry （LC-Q-TOF-MS）. Methods The seized e-cigarette oil was extracted and analyzed by GC-MS and LC-Q-TOF-MS. Results The results of GC-MS analysis showed that synthetic cannabinoid N-（1-carbamoyl-2,2-dimethylpropyl）-1-butylindazole-3-carboxamide （ADB-BUTINACA） was detected, as it matched with the standard substance in a self-built database. An unknown component was identified as a new synthetic cannabinoid, 4-Fluoro ABUTINACA, through structural analysis by MS, and its characteristic fragment ion information acquired by GC-MS and LC-Q-TOF-MS was similar to the known synthetic cannabinoid 5F-APINACA. Conclusion This method provides a quick and simple approach for the identification of new synthetic cannabinoids psychoactive substances in the absence of standard substances. Related Articles | Metrics

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Study on the Estimation of Fracture Formation Time Based on Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry CUI Xuejun, WANG Longlong, Yeerzhati, WANG Zhimin, ZHAO Dong, WANG Xu 2023(3): 61-65.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-2072.2023.03.008 Abstract ( )   PDF (674KB) ( )   Objective To study the changes of bone mineral density （BMD） during and after fracture, and the relationship between BMD values and the fracture formation time in fracture healing process. Methods 451 cases of traumatic femoral fractures were collected as subjects, including 233 males and 218 females, and their ages ranged from 20 to 79 years old. The BMD values of the fracture region R1 and healthy control regian R2 were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry （DEXA）. The test periods were divided into six stages: during fracture, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks and 10 weeks after the fracture. The data were statistically analyzed by SPSS 22.0. Results There was a significant negative correlation between age and BMD values. The BMD values of facture patients were lower than those of normal people, but they would increase during the healing process. The BMD values of male patients were higher than those of females. The regression formula for fracture time was obtained as: Y=（X1-0.714+0.069×X2+0.111×X3）/ 0.036, where X1 stands for BMD value, X2 stands for gender, X3 stands for age group, Y stands for fracture time. Conclusion In the process of fracture healing, BMD values tested by DEXA can be used as quantitative indicators to determine the fracture healing time. Therefore, the method can be applied in the forensic clinical practice of injury assessment and three phases assessment. Related Articles | Metrics

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Primary Exploration of Finger Wrinkle Changes in People of Similar Age in Different Generations TANG Wei, CHEN Shitao, ZHANG Limei, ZHANG Zhongliang, CHEN Fuding, SONG Huanting 2023(3): 66-70.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-2072.2023.03.009 Abstract ( )   PDF (888KB) ( )   Objective To analyze the trend of finger wrinkle occurrence in males around 20 years old in different generations  and possible reasons. Methods 370 ten-fingerprint cards were collected from males aged around 20 in four generation. The number of wrinkles per finger was counted. The occurrence rate and the average number of wrinkles were calculated for four generations. Results The occurrence rate of finger wrinkles and the average number of wrinkles in males aged around 20 showed a significant increase with time. Conclusion People’s mental and physical health status have been changing with the times, and the increasing pressure may be expressed in the form of increasing of wrinkles on men’s fingers. Related Articles | Metrics

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Application of Trace Evidence Analysis in a Case of Falling Object Investigation ZHANG Guannan, GUO Hongling, LI Yajun, ZHENG Jili, LI Guangyao, SUN Zhenwen, WANG Ping, ZHU Jun 2023(3): 71-77.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-2072.2023.03.010 Abstract ( )   PDF (1661KB) ( )   Objective To establish a comprehensive method for comparing bricks from the scene and suspicious sources, and tracing the source of the questioned falling brick. Methods X-ray fluorescence spectrometry （XRF）, X-ray diffraction （XRD） and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectrometry （SEM/EDS） methods were used to study the differences in appearance, minerals and elements of the questioned falling brick and eleven known bricks. Range analysis was applied to the quantitative XRF data of different brick samples. Results Known samples collected from six suspicious rooms were excluded as significant difference was observed in the analytical results. The room where the known sample 8-11 were collected from was recognized as the source of the falling brick, for the examination revealed no significant difference. Conclusion The elemental and mineralogical analysis results of the bricks and the concrete residues helped to distinguish different bricks and confirm the source of the questioned brick. By multi-method analysis and statistical data process, brick samples can be compared and their falling source might be detected, which provides forensic evidence for the investigation of falling objects cases. Related Articles | Metrics

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Study of the Genetic Polymorphism of 20 Autosomal STR Loci in Yi Population in Honghe Region of Yunnan Province WEI Wei, YANG Jie, XU Chongchong, LU Xiaoxiao, YUAN Xiaokun, YANG Shuo, ZHANG Shouxun, XIA Sheng, LI Kuan, LIAN Xinqing, ZHONG Shurong, 2023(3): 78-85.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-2072.2023.03.011 Abstract ( )   PDF (963KB) ( )   Objective To investigate the genetic polymorphism of 20 autosome STR loci in the Yi population in Honghe, Yunnan, and analyze the genetic relationship between the Yi people in Honghe, Yunnan and other populations, so as to provide basic data for forensic identification and population genetics research. Methods 2 342 unrelated healthy Yi individuals in Honghe region of Yunnan Province were investigated.The Chelex-100 method was used to extract DNA. The PowerPlex21 System reagent kit was used for PCR multiplex amplification. The PCR multiplex amplification products were separated by capillary electrophoresis using ABI 3130XL automatic genetic analyzer, and STR typing was performed using GeneMapper ID-X 1.5 software. The Modified-Powerstats software was used to count the forensic parameters such as allele frequency and matching probability, and the Hardy Weinberg balance test was performed. Using Arlequin software to calculate Fst and P values. Phylip software was used to calculate Nei’s Genetic distance, and SPSS software was used for multidimensional scaling analysis. Using Mega software to construct phylogenetic tree. Results 318 alleles and 1 314 genotypes were observed for all the 20 loci. All of the loci were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium （P>0.05/20=0.002 5）. The values for the cumulative discrimination power （CDP） and the cumulative probability of exclusion （CPE） of all the 20 STR loci were 0.999 999 999 999 999 999 999 999 729 502 and 0.999 999 994 995 179, respectively. The Fst values, Nei’s Genetic distance and the results of the phylogenetic tree all suggested that the genetic distances between Yunnan Honghe Yi population and Guangxi Yi population, Yunnan Vietnam population and Yunnan Va population were relatively far. Conclusion The results demonstrated that these 20 STR loci were highly polymorphic and informative in Honghe Yi population and could be applied in forensic identification and population genetics research. Related Articles | Metrics

Forensic Forum

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The Paradigm Shift of the Evaluation of Forensic Voice Evidence and the Way Forward ZHANG Cuiling 2023(3): 86-95.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-2072.2023.03.012 Abstract ( )   PDF (1249KB) ( )   Related Articles | Metrics

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Exploration of the Problem of False Testing in Murder Cases in the Qing Dynasty WANG Xiaofei 2023(3): 96-103.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-2072.2023.03.013 Abstract ( )   PDF (1493KB) ( )   Related Articles | Metrics

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On the Classification of Vehicle Fire Investigation and Dispute Resolution Mechanism BAN Xiaodong, LI Guoqing 2023(3): 104-110.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-2072.2023.03.014 Abstract ( )   PDF (1045KB) ( )   Related Articles | Metrics