A comparison between direct and indirect methods available for human bite mark analysis

Comparison techniques used in bite mark analysis are many and varied, the choice of technique depending largely on personal preference. Until recently, no one technique has been shown to be better than the others, and very little research has been carried out to compare different methods. This study evaluates and compares the accuracy of direct comparisons between suspects' models and bite marks with indirect comparisons in the form of conventional traced overlays of suspects' models or a new method using photocopier-generated overlays. Artificial bite marks in pigskin were made using standardized sets of models and recorded as photographs and fingerprint powder lifts on tape. The bite mark photographs and fingerprint lifts were coded and randomized so that a blind comparison could be made with the models, traced overlays, and photocopier-generated overlays using a modified version of the American Board of Forensic Odontology Scoring (ABFO) System for Bite Marks. It was found that the photocopier-generated overlays were significantly more accurate at matching the correct bite mark to the correct models irrespective of whether the bite mark was recorded photographically or as a fingerprint lift. The photocopier-generated overlays were also found to be more sensitive at matching the correct bite marks to the correct models than the other two methods used. The modified ABFO scoring system was able to discriminate between a correct match and several incorrect matches by awarding a high score to the correct match.     

Interaction and basic rights in an international perspective: an introduction

The effective enjoyment of basic rights largely depends on communicative processes and other forms of social interaction. Traditional conceptions of basic rights do not explicitly address this relevance of social interaction, though. Legal conceptions of basic rights rather focus on the right to a particular discretionary, but isolated and individual behaviour. This article points out the different established dimensions of basic rights protection and points out the relevance of social interaction for the enjoyment of basic rights as well as the legal consequences in different jurisdictions.

     

Simple clearing technique as species determination tool in blowfly larvae

A simple clearing technique is presented by which species specific structures and organs of blowfly larvae can easily be visualized and displayed without any danger of mechanical damages or dislocations of delicate formations and without fixation of the object.     

Wiedereinsetzung in den vorigen Stand bei Organisationsverschulden des Verteidigers; Rechtsmittelfrist bei Urteils- ohne HV-Protokollszustellung

Trifft der Verteidiger im Falle von in seiner Kanzlei unüblicher mündlicher Rechtsmittelanmeldung keine besonderen Vorkehrungen, um sein Personal auf diesen Umstand und die damit im Zusammenhang stehende Eintragung der Rechtsmittelfrist nach Zustellung der schriftlichen Urteilsausfertigung hinzuweisen, so hat er für Organisationsverschulden innerhalb seiner Kanzlei und damit ein Versehen nicht blo? minderen Grades einzustehen, weshalb die Wiedereinsetzung in den vorigen Stand gegen die Vers?umung der Ausführungsfrist nicht zul?ssig ist. Die Zustellung der schriftlichen Urteilsabschrift bewirkt auch dann den Beginn der Rechtsmittelausführungsfrist, wenn das HV-Protokoll entgegen § 271 Abs 6 letzter Satz StPO (noch) nicht zugestellt wurde. Die Nichtzustellung des HV-Protokolls kann aber einen berechtigten Grund für die Wiedereinsetzung in den vorigen Stand darstellen.     

Scale,Scope, and Structure in the Community Chorus Industry

Choral music is the leading form of public participation in the arts in the United States. This article describes choral music from an organizational perspective, using a strategic management framework to examine total market scale, scope of activity, and internal structure. While many tens of thousands of choruses are embedded in educational and religious institutions, this article focuses on independent, community-based choruses. Data from public and private sources, including the leading national service organization for choruses, shows that an estimated 3,000 of these choruses operate in the U.S. They are typically organized along club models, with significant contributions to finances and governance made by chorus singers. Summary data in the article show variation in governance and program activity within budget ranges and among chorus types including professional, symphonic, volunteer, and children/youth.