ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 17

A Study of the Refractive Index Variations Within and Between Sealed Beam Headlights Using a Precise Method
De Forest, PR
John Jay College of Criminal Justice, The City University of New York, N.Y.

Ojena, SM
New Jersey State Police Laboratory, N. J.

(Received 4 March 1972; accepted 16 March 1972)

Abstract

One of the primary goals of the forensic scientist is to be able to individualize physical evidence. Associated with this goal is the underlying assumption that no two things are exactly alike. Individualization has been obtained if it can be unequivocally stated that this fingerprint is that of John Doe, or that this piece of glass is from this sealed beam head-lamp and no other. Unfortunately, due to practical limitations, individualization is not always possible. In such a case the forensic scientist must examine all information available and then make an “estimate of the situation” [1] often based upon his past experience. The purpose of this paper is to aid the forensic scientist so that he may make a better estimate of the forensic value of automobile headlamp glass when confronted with this type of evidence.

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Paper ID: JFS10127J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10127J
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