Assignment:
Examine a burglary case at a residence. There was no forced entry into the dwelling and no other signs of physical evidence such as footprints because the floor is carpeted. You decide to turn off the lights and use laser light to find some pieces of evidence. You discover fine metal shavings on the floor of the house.
a) In your opinion, do the metal shavings have evidentiary value to your case? Why or why not? Justify your answer using suitable examples and reasoning.
b) How will you prove by examining the crime scene that the shavings are foreign to the scene?
c) How will you collect the shavings, and what lab exams will you request to test the shavings? How will you document your findings?
d) Do you think trace evidence can be treated as conclusive evidence in linking a suspect to the crime scene and later in prosecuting the suspect? Why or why not? Justify your answer using suitable examples and reasoning.