Postmortem identification of the edentulous deceased: denture tissue surface anatomy

This model evaluates the use of dental stone casts derived from maxillary tissues and from the internal aspects of maxillary dentures for edentulous postmortem identification. Tissue topography of the total cast and of rugae tracings photographed from the casts were evaluated for identification accuracy in twenty-eight trials for each of the two designs. Eight casts were examined in each trial. The trial was designed as matching or nonmatching, and as an equivocal or unequivocal decision by the examiner. Unequivocal decisions with 100% accuracy resulted when the entire dental cast was evaluated. Seventy-nine percent accuracy with equivocation in some trials resulted when only rugae tracings from the casts were evaluated. This investigation supported use of stone casts derived from the internal anatomy of maxillary dentures for forensic science identification when cast topography in toto was considered.     

Detection of Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid in Various Drink Matrices via AccuTOF-DART*

Abstract: A new screening method for detecting gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in drink matrices, using the IonSense, Inc. (Saugus, MA) direct analysis in real time (DART) ion source coupled to a JEOL exact mass time-of-flight mass spectrometer (AccuTOF), was validated and compared with the current screening methodology. The DART ion source allows for analysis of samples under ambient conditions with little to no sample preparation. Fifty drink specimens were spiked at levels of 1, 2, 3, and 4 mg/mL GHB, and analyzed on the AccuTOF-DART. Positive detection of GHB occurred for each of the samples at each concentration level, giving 100% accuracy for the samples tested. Twenty-five of the 50 drink specimens were spiked at 1 mg/mL GHB and tested using a color test known as the GHB Color Test #3. Only two of these 25 specimens tested positive for the presence of GHB, giving only 8% accuracy. Implementation of this new methodology as a screening tool for GHB analysis will quickly eliminate negative specimens allowing the examiner to focus analysis time on those that screened positive.     

TERRORISM,POLITICS, AND PUNISHMENT: A TEST OF STRUCTURAL-CONTEXTUAL THEORY AND THE “LIBERATION HYPOTHESIS”*

The sentencing literature generally has been characterized by an inability to explain Significant amounts of the variance in sentencing outcomes. Two major theoretical explanations have addressed this issue: structural-contextual theory and the “liberation hypothesis.” Structural-contextual theory suggests that the components of the justice system traditionally work somewhat independently of one another. This theory suggests that variance explained in sentence outcomes will increase appreciably when components function with greater interdependence—a so-called “tightening” or “coupling” effect. Such tightening supposedly takes place when particular cases are given high priority for investigation and prosecution. An example of this situation might be domestic terrorism. The liberation hypothesis suggests that the greater the severity of an offense, the less likely judges or juries will feel free to follow their own sentiments regarding guilt and punishment. As a consequence, the ability of legal variables to predict variation in sentence length will be greater as crime severity increases. This study compares a sample of officially designated terrorists matched with nonterrorists convicted of the same federal offenses. OLS regression and structural equation modeling procedures are used to compare the levels of explained variance for the two groups. The results indicate strong support for the basic premises of both theories. Explained variance for the terrorist sample is more than four times greater than the explained variance for the nonterrorist sample. Further analysis shows that explained variance is highest for terrorists who have committed a high-severity offense and lowest for nonterrorists who have committed a low-severity offense. The subsequent addition of other predictor variables available only for the terrorist sample further increases the explained variance and provides additional support for the liberation hypothesis.     

Battered child syndrome in a four year old with previous diagnosis of Reye's syndrome

A 4-year-old Black child was admitted to hospital in coma and with retinal hemorrhages. He was diagnosed as having Reye's Syndrome and remained hospitalized for 1 month. At discharge, he was neurologically compromised with spasticity of the right arm and leg, and could not walk or sit unsupported. Three weeks later he was again seen in the emergency room with a swollen right arm and leg and was subsequently readmitted. Healing fracture of the right femur and probable healing fracture of the right humerus were diagnosed. These were thought to be due to a fall from a stroller. Almost 4 months later, the child died at his home in the care of his mother's boyfriend. Autopsy findings were consistent with a severely chronically battered child.     

Free press and fair trial: The role of behavioral research

The growth of mass media has complicated the relatioship between the courts and the media. Free press and fair trial rights are kept in balance by the use of judicial restraints and remedies such asvoir dire, change of venue, and gag orders. This balance has shifted back and forth during the past two decades. Current case law and legal codes are inconsistent and provide insufficient guidance to judges in their use of restraints and remedies. Nor is there a body of empirical research on the impact of news coverage and juror behavior capable of informing the courts at this time. In this paper, we review and critically assess the empirical social science literature as it pertains to the legal issues involving free press and fair trial. We argue that carefully conducted empirical research could provide important information to the courts. We suggest research directions and methodological caveats to increase legal relevance and scientific validity.