Personal Identification Flashcards
What are the two things identification is based on?
- single, unique identifier and/or presence of multiple consistent features
- comparison of ante- and postmortem
Why is the biological profile important in identification?
need to get a short list of possibilities before you can get access to these records
Corroboration of multiple methods can ____ probability of correct identification.
increase
What are the three types of identification?
- tentative
- circumstantial
- positive
Tentative
suspected
Circumstantial
based on strong consistencies between the remains and the missing person (is enough for a verdict)
Positive
preponderance of evidence, agreement from multiple uncorrelated pieces of evidence
What are the four general methods of obtaining a positive ID?
- comparative radiography
- craniofacial/photographic superimposition
- forensic odontology
- non-imaged records comparison
What are the general structures used for comparative radiography?
sinuses, vertebrae, clavicles
What are the two methods to compare radiography?
point-by-point visual comparison and measurement comparison
True or False: All characteristics must agree for a positive identification.
True
Why is the frontal sinus significant?
the scalloping of the each side of the frontal sinus is unique to each individual
How does comparing vertebral patterns work?
compare outlines of inferior, superior, lateral, and anterior margins of vertebral bodies, score according to outline shape
Why is clavicle comparison so helpful?
chest xrays are super common!
How does clavicle comparison work?
uses radiograph and 3D model to calculate shape using elliptical fourier analysis
What are some other useful structures for comparison?
other sinuses, pattern of trabecular bone, antemortem pathological conditions or anomalies, surgically or dental implanted devices
What does craniofacial superimposition use?
a picture of a skull with an antemortem photograph
What are the methods of comparison used for craniofacial superimposition?
- point-by-point
- qualitatively
- quantitatively
Why is craniofacial superimposition significant?
most often used to corroborate other methods, easy to get photographs in the digital age
What is forensic odontology comparison?
comparing antemortem dental records with results of a postmortem examination
What are the methods used to compare odontology?
shape of fillings and other dental work, and types of bite
Can bite mark analysis be used for identification?
No!!!!!
How does non-imaged records comparison work?
- identify injury or pathology
- obtain antemortem medical records or dental charts for the suspected deceased
- compare antemortem records to skeletal remains for consistencies and inconsistencies
What are two less used methods of individualization?
identification by exclusion, DNA testing
When is identification by exclusion primarily used?
when there are mass fatalities at a closed site (ie plane crash)
Molecular anthropologiests
qualified to perform both skeletal and molecular analysis
Forensic anthropology ____ molecular analysis, while molecular analysis can ____ assessments.
guides; confirm
Why is DNA not often used in forensic anthropology?
its time consuming and expensive; you still need something to compare it to
Gene
sequences of DNA or RNA that code for a molecule that has a function
Genome
the total content of genetic information in an organism
Base pairing
interaction of 2 bases through a hydrogen bond
Locus
the specific location of DNA sequence on a chromosome
PCR
polymerase chain reaction; process used to amplify sections of DNA
STR
short tandem repeats; DNA sequence container <50 repeated short sequences
SNP
single nucleotide polymorphism; change in 1 nucleotide
What are the four types of DNA tests?
- autosomal STR profiling
- mtDNA
- DNA-based sex testing
- hair and eye color prediction
How does autosomal STR profiling work?
analysis and profile from number of repeats of a specific loci
Why is mtDNA best used if DNA is old or damaged?
found in the mitochondria and there are many mitochondria in a single cell
What is the only genetic predication that is validated for forensic use?
only eye color prediction
