Agonal Sequences in Four Filmed Hangings: Analysis of Respiratory and Movement Responses to Asphyxia by Hanging*

Abstract: The human pathophysiology of asphyxia by hanging is still poorly understood, despite great advances in forensic science. In that context, filmed hangings may hold the key to answer questions regarding the sequence of events leading to death in human asphyxia. Four filmed hangings were analyzed. Rapid loss of consciousness was observed between 13 sec and 18 sec after onset of hanging, closely followed by convulsions (at 14–19 sec). A complex pattern of decerebration rigidity (19–21 sec in most cases), followed by a quick phase of decortication rigidity (1 min 00 sec–1 min 08 sec in most cases), an extended phase of decortication rigidity (1 min 04 sec–1 min 32 sec) and loss of muscle tone (1 min 38 sec–2 min 47 sec) was revealed. Very deep respiratory attempts started between 20 and 22 sec, the last respiratory attempt being detected between 2 min 00 sec and 2 min 04 sec. Despite differences in the types of hanging, this unique study reveals similarities that are further discussed.     

监控录像图像伪造手法及其特征综述

随着监控录像设施越来越多,在诉讼中使用监控录像作为证据的案件也越来越多。使用伪造或变造的监控录像的案件也有发生,本文提出了伪造监控录像图像的几种不同手法,并分析了不同伪造手法图像所表现的特征。     

Medical Findings and Legal Outcomes in Sexually Abused Children*

Abstract: A previous study published in 2000 on a small group of children concluded that the medical examination in cases of sexual child abuse seldom provided legal proof of sexual abuse [J Forensic Sci 45(2000):115–7]. The present consecutive study included children referred to the police for a forensic medical examination. A colposcope was used to evaluate the anogenital findings which were classified as normal, nonspecific, and abnormal. Four hundred and eighty‐two children were included. Abnormal anogenital findings were found in 38% of the girls and 20% of the boys, but there was no relation between abnormal anogenital findings and the two legal outcomes: “appearing in court” and “being convicted.” However, the age of the child turned out to be a more important factor in relation to legal outcome than the physical findings. The results of this study suggest that the child’s statement and not the physical findings were important for legal outcome.     

法庭科学实验室质量控制研究综述

本文对法庭科学实验室质量控制活动的历史进行了回顾性分析研究,对国内外现状进行了归纳性综述。通过国内外比较,指出了我国法庭科学实验室质量控制活动的差距与改进建议。     

Visualization of gunshot residue patterns on dark clothing

ABSTRACT: 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.     

法庭科学毒物分析实验室质量控制的发展与现状

本文综述了国内外法庭科学毒物分析实验室质量控制的发展及一般要求,并讨论了我国毒物分析实验室质量控制中存在的不足和应对措施。     

Agonal Sequences in Eight Filmed Hangings: Analysis of Respiratory and Movement Responses to Asphyxia by Hanging*

Abstract: It has been proposed that filmed hangings may hold the key to a better understanding of human asphyxia, and The Working Group on Human Asphyxia was formed to systematically review and compare these video recordings. This study analyzed eight filmed hangings. Considering time 0 to represent the onset of the final hanging, rapid loss of consciousness was observed (at 8–18 sec), closely followed by convulsions (at 10–19 sec). A complex pattern of decerebrate rigidity and decorticate rigidity then followed. Between 1 min 38 sec and 2 min 15 sec, muscle tone seemed to be lost, the body becoming progressively flaccid. From then on, isolated body movements were observed from time to time, the last one occurring between 1 min 2 sec and 7 min 31 sec. As for the respiratory responses, all cases presented deep rhythmic abdominal respiratory movements (last one between 1 min 2 sec and 2 min 5 sec).     

法庭科学痕迹检验实验室质量控制的现状及进展

痕迹检验实验室作为法庭科学实验室的重要组成部分,其质量控制活动在遵循普遍原则的基础上,根据自身专业特性,在质量控制方法选择及活动实施上有所侧重.本文在调研国内外关于痕迹检验实验室质量控制研究与实践的基础上,从结果质量控制、人员资格和培训、方法确认、记录、结果报告、出庭等方面对痕迹检验实验室质量控制要求及现状进行综述,旨在探索痕迹检验实验室的质量控制关键技术,尽快建立国内痕迹检验实验室质量控制规范.     

国外法庭科学DNA实验室的质量保证和质量控制现状

法庭科学DNA检测飞速发展和广泛应用的同时也面临巨大风险,实验室质量保证能力和质量控制手段的不足已开始影响到法庭科学DNA检测的证据地位。本文对国外法庭科学DNA实验室的有关情况进行初步分析,从中发掘有益的启示,为我国法庭科学DNA检测的改革和发展提供借鉴。     

浅议建筑工程质量司法鉴定的特点、原则及其应用

建筑工程质量司法鉴定是司法鉴定的重要组成部分,通过对其特点、原则进行了分析,并结合广东省东莞市的具体工程案例介绍了其应用实况。     

某商贸大厦地基基础工程质量司法鉴定的案例介绍

通过对某大厦地基基础工程质量的司法鉴定,发现其中存在严重的质量安全隐患,为法院提供了具有高度公信力的证据,为诉讼多年的疑案划上句号做出了应有的贡献,揭露了被告偷工减料、野蛮施工的丑恶行为,保障了受害者的合法权益,有力地维护司法公正,促进社会和谐稳定。建筑工程质量司法鉴定涉及着控辩双方较大的利害关系,鉴定资料和鉴定文书的庭审质证过程必然充满着对抗情绪,司法鉴定人更加需要在本职工作中坚持科学、严谨、客观、公正的基本原则。