Hair as EvidenceWhat can it do for us?
One of the most common pieces of evidence
Why Hair?
Burned hair
Hair from a child is examined for drugs
1847- Duchess of Praeslin murdered by her husband
Husband committed suicide before trial Consequently led to collapse of the
monarchy
History of Hair Analysis
1889- L’Affaire Gouffe
Lacksagne identifieded a rotted body by matching hair color (as well as height, weight, teeth)
Previous attempts to use hair were insufficient- little research on hair
History of Hair Analysis
*Alfred Swaine Taylor and Thomas Stevenson *1883 * Forensic science text that included a chapter on hair
History of Hair Analysis
Victor Balthazard, professor of forensic medicine at the Sorbonne, with Marcelle Lambert (1910)
First comprehensive hair study, Le poil de l'homme et des animaux.
History of Hair Analysis
Badger hairBat hair
Rabbit hair
1910- Murder of Germaine Bichon Rosella Rousseau confessed only after
confronted with hair as evidence. Hair found under Bichon’s fingernails.
History of Hair Analysis
Dr. Sydney Smith- 1934, first use to analyze hairs side by side. Helped to solve murder case.
Comparison Microscope
Originally invented and usedfor ballistics.
Comparison Microscope
Bombard sample with neutrons Sample spontaneously emits energy Measure the energy emitted to determine
the presence and amounts of more than 60 elements.
Neutron Activation Analysis
DNA fingerprinting DNA from root or other cells stuck to follicle
What are the possible limitations of using hair as evidence in a crime investigation?
What are the possible advantages of using hair evidence?
What reasons might have prevented investigators from using hair in investigations before 1910?
What kinds of technology advances have made it possible for investigators to use hair as evidence?
For Discussion
What are the possible limitations of using hair as evidence in a crime investigation?
What are the possible advantages of using hair evidence?
What reasons might have prevented investigators from using hair in investigations before 1910?
What kinds of technology advances have made it possible for investigators to use hair as evidence?
For Discussion
What are the possible limitations of using hair as evidence in a crime investigation?
What are the possible advantages of using hair evidence?
What reasons might have prevented investigators from using hair in investigations before 1910?
What kinds of technology advances have made it possible for investigators to use hair as evidence?
For Discussion
What are the possible limitations of using hair as evidence in a crime investigation?
What are the possible advantages of using hair evidence?
What reasons might have prevented investigators from using hair in investigations before 1910?
What kinds of technology advances have made it possible for investigators to use hair as evidence?
For Discussion
What is hair?And who has it?
Who has hair?
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Why do we have hair?
1. Warmth2. Decrease friction3. Protect against sunlight4. Act as a sense organ
Why do mammals have hair?
Skin and Hair Structure
Skin and Hair Structure
Skin and hair Structure
Hair Structure
Hair Structure
Compare hair to a pencil.
Composed of:Cuticle— overlapping
scales; protects cortex
Three Parts of Hair
Composed of: Cuticle— overlapping scales;
protects cortex
Cortex— made of keratin (protein which makes hair strong and elastic) and imbedded with pigment; changes with perms, dyes, etc.
Three Parts of Hair
Composed of: Cuticle— overlapping scales;
protects cortex
Cortex— made of keratin (protein which makes hair strong and elastic) and imbedded with pigment; changes with perms, dyes, etc.
Medulla—innermost layer; purpose unknown
Three Parts of Hair
Cuticle Patterns
30
Coronal (crown like)-
scales appear like stacked cups (ex. Mouse)
Cuticle Patterns
31
Cuticle Patterns
Spinous (petal -like)–triangular shaped
scales, often protrude from the shaft (ex. cat)
Imbricate- Flattened, overlapping scales(e.g.human)
Cuticle Patterns
Scales point to end of hair. The end of the hair is the oldest end. Why is this important?
Hair
Medulla Pattern Description Diagram
Continuous One unbroken line of color
Interrupted(Intermittent)
Pigmented line broken at regular intervals
Fragmented orSegmented
Pigmented line unevenly spaced
Solid Pigmented area filling both the medulla and the cortex
None No separate pigmentation in the medulla