An assessment of the reliability of evidence relating to superficial heat damage on arsonists’ clothing.
An evaluation of different brands of furniture polish on the forensic Luminol test.
August 7, 2021Contamination: An evaluation of the efficacy of USB devices and remote monitoring software in the management of sex offenders’ computer use.
August 7, 2021An assessment of the reliability of evidence relating to superficial heat damage on arsonists’ clothing.
Example forensic science dissertation topic 6:
An assessment of the reliability of evidence relating to superficial heat damage on arsonists’ clothing.
The identification of very superficial heat damage to arsonists’ clothing can assist in the successful prosecution of such criminals. Extensive heat damage or the presence of accelerant on the clothing of arsonists makes determining a link relatively easy. This dissertation considers a wide range of effects from heat damage on a variety of common clothing, such as leather and synthetic trainers, denim, and so on. It evaluates whether damage possibly ascribed to arson-related heat damage can be caused by non-criminal means, such as the laying of domestic fires through an assessment of the breadth and location of such damage.
Suggested initial topic reading:
- Heath, K., Kobus, H. and Byard, R.W. (2011). ‘Potential dangers of accelerant use in arson’. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, vol. 18(2), pp. 49-51.
- Leung, E.H. and Halliday, D.X. (2010). ‘”Flashburning”�Interpreting the presence of heat damage to a suspect’s clothing and footwear in the investigation of fires’. Science & Justice, vol. 50(4), pp. 187-191.
- Pert, A.D., Baron, M.G. and Birkett, J.W. (2006). ‘Review of analytical techniques for arson residues’. Journal of Forensic Sciences, vol. 51(5), pp. 1033-1049.
