WIS6563 - Module 11 Records and Evidence

Introduction

John Cooper introduces the module on wildlife forensic pathology, providing an overview of its significance in both legal contexts and wildlife conservation efforts. Margaret Cooper will assist with legal aspects of the subject, contributing her expertise in law related to wildlife and forensic science. The module consists of 5 comprehensive lectures, concluding with a review of various sources of information for ongoing education in the field.

Lecture 43: Record Keeping, Collation, and Analysis of Findings

Importance of Record Keeping

Keeping meticulous records is essential from the outset of a forensic investigation, whether it involves a crime scene or examined material. Thorough documentation allows for the accurate reconstruction of events and findings later on. Methods of recording observations include traditional writing on paper or boards.

• Example: Writing in a hospital mortuary to accurately record the weights of organs, which can be crucial for determining cause of death in wildlife cases.

Audio Recording

Digital recordings serve as valuable tools for providing commentary and observations during work, eliminating the need for constant writing. However, it's important to remember that these recordings must be admissible in court. Caution should be exercised to ensure thoughtful, unbiased comments are made, as everything recorded can be scrutinized in legal proceedings.

Photography

Photographs play a critical role in legal cases, serving as evidence that documents the condition and characteristics of specimens. It is vital to keep photographs original and untampered. Reference is noted for forensic photography techniques in reptiles, emphasizing the work of Dr. Merck and Dr. Mader. If a camera is unavailable, contemporaneous sketches can serve as beneficial alternatives, potentially providing unique three-dimensional perspectives that photographs alone may not capture.

Digital and Physical Storage

Organizing findings on a computer is increasingly important for effective management of evidence and documentation. Maintaining original notes is equally essential, as they may be required for court proceedings. Retaining both hard copies and electronic backups is critical, given the risk of catastrophic losses such as hardware failures or natural disasters that could compromise data integrity.

Historical Records

Maintaining historical records has immense value, as demonstrated by the records from Rwanda and British zoos. Original paperwork can be crucial in cases involving animal evidence, as it may help illuminate past circumstances surrounding the evidence in question.

Lecture 44: Submission and Report Forms

Importance of Paperwork

Both original paper records and electronic records are necessary for comprehensive documentation. This is comparable to the rigorous record-keeping practices in veterinary settings, where detailed documentation is crucial for patient care and legal compliance.

Lecture 45: Collection and Collating of Evidence

The Process of Evidence Collection

The lecture highlights the similarities to best practices in record keeping, emphasizing that proper documentation is needed for all findings, whether positive or negative. This approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the evidence collected and the context in which it was gathered.

Writing Reports

Reports generated from findings must be accessible and understandable to all court participants, not just legal professionals. It is vital to explain scientific terminology in layman's terms to facilitate clarity and understanding among all involved parties, including jurors and judges.

Lecture 46: Storaging, Labeling, and Presentation of Forensic Material

Evidence Integrity

Different types of evidence necessitate appropriate packaging to preserve their integrity and prevent contamination. Recommendations for using clean paper over plastic for organic materials are specifically noted to avoid issues such as chemical leaching.

Chain of Custody

Meticulous documentation is critical for tracking every hand-off of evidence, ensuring its integrity throughout the investigative process. Illustrations of the chain of custody from real forensic cases underscore the importance of rigorous documentation practices to uphold the credibility of the evidence.

The Role of Experts in Forensics

Importance of System Integrity

The Achilles' heel analogy underscores that a weak system can discredit the expertise of forensic professionals. Adhering to proper procedures and maintaining thorough documentation is essential in preserving credibility in court settings, ensuring that findings are taken seriously.

Final Lecture: Journals, Books, Societies, and Information Sources

Importance of Expertise

Judicial systems impose high standards for expert testimonies, making it imperative for professionals in wildlife forensic pathology to have appropriate qualifications, memberships, and current continuing education. The selection of peer-reviewed journals is crucial, as they provide reliable and validated scientific information compared to unverifiable online sources.

Engagement in Professional Communities

Joining societies such as the Society For Wildlife Forensic Science and attending related conferences significantly enhances knowledge and encourages collaboration within the field of forensics. The Coopers' presentations of various conferences and their international relevance illustrate the global importance of wildlife forensic pathology, driving both scientific discovery and legal accountability.

Conclusion

Wildlife forensic pathology is an evolving field with significant practical and legal implications worldwide, emphasizing the necessity of integrating scientific rigor with legal standards to protect wildlife and uphold justice.