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PubMed1986

Patterns of juvenile criminal activity as a function of demographic, family, and individual variables.

Patterns of juvenile criminal activity were investigated with respect to differences in a range of demographic, family, and individual variables. Subjects were 89 juveniles who were referred to a county juvenile services center (70 males, 19 females; 78 Caucasians, 10 Blacks, 1 Oriental; mean age = 15.7). Discriminant function analyses were used to assess the discriminating power of the variables across crime categories (felony vs. misdemeanor), crime subcategories (person vs. property), number of prior referrals (none vs. one or more), and grade level (junior vs. senior high). All groups could be discriminated effectively on the basis of Wilks' lambda and associated chi-square tests of statistical significance.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Delinquency and the profile of offences among depressed and non-depressed adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Depression has previously been found to be closely connected to adolescent delinquency, but little is known about how depression is related to different types of delinquency. AIM: To investigate patterns of criminal behaviour according to depression among repeatedly delinquent adolescents. METHOD: The sample was 14- to 16-year-old repeatedly delinquent adolescents (n 3679) taking part in the Finnish School Health Promotion Study, surveyed for versatility and specialization of delinquency in relation to depression. RESULTS: Patterns of criminal behaviour differed between depressed and non-depressed delinquent adolescents. The delinquent behaviour of depressed adolescents was more versatile than that of non-depressed adolescents who mainly specialized in one offence type. Non-depressed delinquent boys had most often specialized in violence. Most depressed delinquent boys had committed a variety of offences, but among those who did specialize the specialist category was violent offences. Non-depressed delinquent girls had specialized in shoplifting. Among depressed delinquent girls vandalism was the most typical offence. CONCLUSION: Differences in the delinquent behaviour of depressed and non-depressed delinquent adolescents suggest the value of including clinical assessment, and treatment for some, in an appropriately comprehensive pattern of management.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Risk factors for juvenile justice system referral among children in a public mental health system.

The objective of this study is to identify, through the use of secondary data, risk factors for juvenile justice system involvement among children entering a public mental health system. Data-sharing agreements between juvenile justice and mental health systems enabled investigators to examine criminal referrals among 645 children between the ages of 10 to 17 who entered community-based public mental health programs in King County, Washington, over the course of a single year. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed. Adjusting for age, gender, and ethnicity, children involved in the public mental health system who had juvenile justice referrals were more likely than children involved in the mental health system without juvenile justice referrals to have parents with a history of incarceration, to abuse drugs and/or alcohol, and to have experienced physical abuse. The study shows that some children who receive public mental health services are at particular risk of having an encounter with the juvenile justice system. Understanding the characteristics and experiences of youth who use multiple service systems has important implications for children's mental health services delivery.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

The determination of cocaine in hair: a review.

The explosion of literature related to the analysis of hair for cocaine and its products is reviewed. In the commonly accepted applications of hair testing for cocaine, those related to criminal or civil investigations and pharmacotoxicologic studies occupy most of the relevant published work. This review uses detailed, 'binary' (yes/no) tables to demonstrate trends in the literature, and allows researchers and caseworkers quick access to the literature most important for answering a variety of questions.

Cocaine↗

PubMed2006

Object-oriented Bayesian networks for complex forensic DNA profiling problems.

We describe a flexible computational toolkit, based on object-oriented Bayesian networks, that can be used to model and solve a wide variety of complex problems of relationship testing using DNA profiles. In particular this can account for such complicating features as missing individuals, mutation and null alleles. We illustrate the use of this toolkit with several examples, including disputed paternity with missing or additional measurements, and criminal identification. We investigate the effects on likelihood ratios of introducing mutation and/or null alleles, and show that this can be substantial even when the underlying perturbations are small.

Bayes Theorem↗

PubMed2001

A biomechanical reconstruction of a wound caused by a glass shard--a case report.

During the course of a criminal trial, an investigating pathologist is commonly asked how much force was required to produce an injury. This subjective opinion is based on the pathologist's previous experience of dealing with wounds inflicted with similar weapons. However, in the case of stab wounds inflicted by broken glass, it is unlikely that two glass fragments would be physically similar. In the case studied, two theories were examined: that a wound resulted from a thrown glass fragment or that it had been caused as a stab injury by the glass held in the bare hand. The investigation involved quantifying the energy required for human tissue penetration, comparison of sharpness, a biomechanical analysis of throwing actions and testing of the hypothesis that if the glass shard were used as a stabbing implement it would result in a cut to the hand.The investigation utilised a scientific methodology that reduced the need for speculative (though informed) opinion from the pathologist by producing quantitative results.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

PubMed1993

Responsibility attributions for men and women giving sane versus crazy explanations for good and bad deeds.

We conducted two studies in which participants evaluated men and women who committed good or bad deeds and afterward gave crazy or sane explanations for their actions. In line with arguments of Thomas Szasz, people were evaluated as more mentally ill, having less intent, and taking little responsibility when they committed deeds that were bad rather than good; those giving crazy explanations for their actions were similarly judged. However, recommended prison sentences did not differ for people who gave crazy or sane explanations for their crimes. Data were integrated into a growing body of research investigating evaluations of criminal responsibility for people with psychological disorders.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1991

Munchausen syndrome by proxy documented by discrepant blood typing.

The authors describe a case of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a form of child abuse, documented by use of routine blood bank serologic procedures. While immunohematologic testing has been used in the legal arena to resolve issues of disputed paternity and to investigate instances of criminal acts, the authors believe this to be the first documented application to this clinical disorder.

ABO Blood-Group System↗

PubMed1994

DNA typing in forensic science. I. Theory and background.

In the last few years, DNA typing procedures have become increasingly important in the fields of forensic science and forensic medicine. This paper reviews background information on DNA and human genetics, and addresses how molecular techniques such as restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis have been used to detect genetic polymorphism in human populations. The systems discussed include single locus RFLP, HLA DQ-alpha, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AMP-FLPs), short tandem repeats (STRs), and mitochondrial DNA typing. Several DNA typing methods have been thoroughly validated for forensic use. With proper control measures, DNA analysis should be considered reliable. At this time, DNA evidence/testimony is generally accepted by the courts and greatly assists in the resolution of criminal and civil investigations.

Body Fluids↗

PubMed1995

Can baby organs be donated in all forensic cases? Proposed guidelines for organ donation from infants under medical examiner jurisdiction.

Donated organs from babies are desperately needed for transplantation into sick and dying children. Categories of infant death subject to medicolegal death investigation are proposed and discussed, with a rationale for decision making by medical examiners and their colleagues. Appropriate caution is warranted in some instances with investigation for possible criminal intent emphasized. Mutual cooperation with all parties must be fostered to assure organ donation from infants whenever possible.

Accidents↗

PubMed2006

Visualization of gunshot residue patterns on dark clothing.

Determination of the muzzle-to-target distance is often a critical factor in criminal and civil investigations involving firearms. However, seeing and recording gunshot residue patterns can be difficult if the victim's clothing is dark and/or bloodstained. Trostle reported the use of infrared film for the detection of burn patterns. However, only after the film is developed are the results visible and multiple exposures at different settings may be needed. The Video Spectral Comparator 2000 (Foster & Freeman Ltd., Evesham, Worcestershire, U.K.) is an imaging instrument routinely used by forensic document examiners. Without use of specialized film could the VSC 2000 (at appropriate instrument settings) quickly, easily, and reliably provide instantaneous viewing, saving, and printing of gunshot residue patterns on dark and/or blood soaked clothing? At muzzle-to-target distances of 6, 12, and 18 in., test fires were made into five different types of dark clothing using eight different handguns of different calibers. Gunshot residues were detected for all eight calibers, and powder burn patterns were seen on dark clothing for all three target distances and calibers except 0.22 long rifle and 0.25 ACP. Bloodstains did not preclude the viewing of these patterns.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2001

Using brain MERMER testing to detect knowledge despite efforts to conceal.

This experiment examined the accuracy and reliability of the memory and encoding related multifaceted electroencephalographic response (MERMER) technique for detecting information related to events subjects have experienced, despite subjects' efforts to conceal that knowledge. Information obtained through interviews was used to develop stimulus sets consisting of words and phrases presented to subjects visually by computer. Sets were composed of three types of stimuli: life experience-related (Probes), stimuli the subject was asked to memorize and respond to (Targets), and irrelevant information (Irrelevants). Each set of stimuli was tested on two individuals: (1) one individual who had participated in the event in question--and thus had the relevant information stored in his/her brain, and (2) one who had not. Six subjects were tested. Electrical brain responses to the stimuli were recorded non-invasively from the scalp and analyzed. MERMERs, (memory and encoding related multifaceted electroencephalographic responses), of which the P300 is a sub-component, were used to determine whether the subject had the relevant information stored in his brain (information present) or not (information absent), thus indicating whether or not each subject had participated in the real-life event in question. Bootstrapping was used to analyze and compare the responses to the three types of stimuli. As predicted, MERMERs were elicited by Probe stimuli only in the subjects who had participated in the investigated event, by Target stimuli in all subjects, and in no case by Irrelevant stimuli. For each of the six subjects, brain MERMER testing correctly determined whether the subject had participated in and consequently knew about the event in question (information present) or had not participated (information absent). The statistical confidence for this determination was 99.9% in five cases and 90.0% in one case. The article concludes with a discussion of areas of future research and the potential for using this new technology as an investigative tool in criminal cases.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

New electronic device powers hospital employee background checks.

Ohio has a new electronic system for performing criminal background checks on potential employees. The Internet-based computer program, called WebCheck, was developed through the cooperation of Ohio's Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation and Cogent Systems, Inc., South Pasadena, CA. BCI&I initiated the development of WebCheck in response to Ohio law, which requires background checks on anyone applying for a job involving children and the elderly.

Crime↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Suicidal electrocution using timers. Case reports and review of the literature].

Suicidal electrocution using a time switch is relatively rare. Based on two cases from the authors' own forensic material and seven cases from literature peculiarities regarding the concomitant intake of medicines (benzodiazepines) and alcohol are discussed and comments are made how to proceed in the criminal and forensic investigation of such cases.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Crimes against life--the elderly as victims and as perpetrators].

From 1970 to 1990, 55 homicides (including 15 attempted cases) among the elderly (60 years and older) were investigated by the criminal police in Essen, FRG. Forty victims were autopsied at the Institute for Legal Medicine in Essen. Epidemiology with regard to age (mean 72 years), sex (25 males, 30 females), method (primarily use of a blunt object, followed by stabbing and strangulation), and motive (robbery in more than 50% of occurrences) of crime, and psychosociological aspects of victims and offenders are described. The forensic responsibility of geriatric delinquents and the correlation between crime and psychical irregularity in the elderly are discussed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1986

[Criminal dismemberment of the corpse].

In the period from 1959 to 1984 the Institute of Legal Medicine in Hamburg had to investigate 27 cases of criminal dismemberment. With regard to all legal autopsies the average frequency was about 1:500. A distinct increase of the number of cases is noticeable within the last years; i.e., 1984 there were 6 victims. Our study enclosed the autopsy findings, the police investigations, and the available court records. 11 cases were classified as defensive and 16 cases as offensive dismemberment of bodies (among these: 2 cases of dismemberment after stealing the corpse and 2 cases of killing the victims by decapitation). One perpetrator had 3 victims, twice there was a perpetrator with 2 victims. The victims were of all ages, but mainly between 40 and 50 years old. 22 of them were female and 5 male. 16 perpetrators could be identified, 14 of them were male and 2 female; all of them were older than 30 years, mostly between the age of 40 and 50. The psychiatric experts classified 11 of the perpetrators as "normal," 3 as abnormal, and 2 as psychotic. More details concerning victims, perpetrators, used instruments for killing and dismembering, elimination and identification of the dismembered bodies and judicial aspects are given in this paper.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Criminal and psychiatric histories of Finnish arsonists.

We investigated psychiatric and demographic variables and lifetime criminality among arsonists referred for a pre-trial psychiatric assessment. The medical and criminal records of 282 arsonists were studied in order to compare first-time and repeat offenders with regard to diagnostic, demographic and biological variables. Alcohol dependence and antisocial personality disorder were common among recidivist offenders. This finding was especially prominent among offenders who committed violent crimes. Recidivist offenders commonly had a history of long-lasting enuresis during their childhood. They were younger at the time of their first offence, and were more often intoxicated with alcohol during the arson attempt. Among arsonists, lifetime criminal recidivism was primarily associated with alcohol dependence and antisocial personality disorder. Psychosis was a common diagnosis among subjects who had no record of recidivist criminal offences.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Ethical and legal issue raised by DNA fingerprinting in France.

As soon as DNA identification tests have been introduced as a new powerful tool in criminalistics and in paternity testing, this new technology has immediately aroused a mixture of ethical concerns, suspicion and interest among scientists and non-scientists. The major concerns about the so called 'DNA fingerprints' were related first to the possible constitution of data based by the police agencies for the purpose of identifying and investigating individuals as potential criminal suspects, and secondly to the risk of a widespread use without safeguards for private investigation as establishing paternity or the typing of a person for insurance companies. In this context, and in order to preserve civil liberties and the respect of individual privacy, the national Consultative Bioethics Committee advised, as early as 1989, the French government that DNA identification should be strictly limited to judicial use and performed by accredited laboratories. After a long debate, this recommendation has finally been adopted in July, 1994 by the French Parliament. As a result, France is presently the only member state of the European Union with such restricted legislation. This is not without raising difficulties in the implementation of the law, especially in the field of paternity testing where the demand is growing and can be satisfied in any other neighbour country.

Bioethics↗