ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 6

A Contribution to the Discussion of Probabilities and Human Hair Comparisons
Aitken, CGG
Lecturer, University of Edinburgh,

Robertson, J
Forensic scientist, Forensic Science Centre,

(Received 14 January 1986; accepted 15 July 1986)

Abstract

The paper by Gaudette and Keeping on “An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison” in the Journal of Forensic Sciences (Vol. 19, No. 3, July 1974, pp. 599–606) has provoked considerable controversy. This paper highlights two of the sources of the controversy and shows how the probability, 1/4500, quoted by Gaudette and Keeping should be treated with caution. The necessity of the use of a likelihood ratio statistic is described. It is suggested that the hair examination form resulting from the responses to the questionnaire recently distributed by the authors and also the discussions at Quantico (Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons, 25–27 June 1985, Quantico VA) should be used to facilitate the collection of the data which will be necessary to enable a likelihood ratio statistic to be estimated effectively.

Keywords:
forensic sciences, hair, probability

Paper ID: JFS12373J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12373J
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