Apr 20th, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Title
New Forensic Art Techniques: What is Allowed in Court?
Faculty Mentor
Information
A working definition of forensic art is any art that aids in the identification, apprehension, or conviction of criminal offenders, or that aids in the location of victims or identification of unknown deceased persons1. These techniques have been used in courts since the earliest days of police sketch artists. Newer techniques rely on sophisticated computer programs as well as sculptural interpretations of data. For example, data on craniofacial growth is essential in forensic age progressions, but in the end the final rendering is still in the hands of an artist. All of this must be taken into account by the judge who is the final arbiter of whether such evidence can be used in court. This study presents a summary of new techniques, and the court’s reaction to these novel combinations of art and science.
1. Taylor, Karen A. “Forensic Art and Illustration” 2001