The Forensic Entomology Case Report—A Global Perspective

Abstract

Forensic practitioners analyzing entomological evidence are faced with numerous challenges when presenting their findings to law practitioners, particularly in terms of terminology used to describe insect age, what this means for colonization time of remains, and the limitations to estimates made. Due to varying legal requirements in different countries, there is no standard format for the entomological case report prepared, nor any guidelines as to the sections that are required, optional or unnecessary in a case report. The authors herein propose sections that should be considered when drafting an entomological case report. The criteria under which entomological evidence is analyzed are discussed, as well as the limitations for each criterion. The concept of a global, standardized entomological case report is impossible to achieve due to national legislative differences, but the authors here propose a basic template which can be adapted and changed according to the needs of the practitioner. Furthermore, while the discussion is fairly detailed, capturing all differences between nations could not be accomplished, and those initiating casework for the first time are encouraged to engage other practicing forensic entomologists or professional associations within their own nation or region, to ensure a complete report is generated that meets lab or national requirements, prior to generating a finalized report.

On the influence of environmental factors on the oviposition activity of necrophagous flies

“…Overall, a number of biotic and abiotic factors influences the oviposition of necrophagous flies, and understanding the nature and extent of these effects is highly relevant when evaluating the PMI min in an entomological report (Tarone & Sanford, 2017). It is important especially in court to show that you know and understand your target species, the assumptions for PMI min estimations and their limitations in order to explain inconsistencies and possible contradictions (Kotzé et al, 2021).…”

A Summary of Concepts, Procedures and Techniques Used by Forensic Entomologists and Proxies

“…Reference to casework can provide guidance to produce a robust witness statement but can also provide insight into areas where further research may benefit better interpretations. Some attempts have been made to describe how a forensic entomology report should be compiled with the latest methods by Kotzé et al (2021) [190], detailing 16 subheadings which might be considered depending on the circumstances of a case.…”

Perspective Chapter: Crime Scene Investigation in Criminal Behavior Cases – Forensic Biology, Forensic Entomology and Forensic Entomotoxicology

“…Forensic entomology is a discipline collecting insects on corpses, studying their biology, and predicting the time of death and works for forensic sciences [9][10][11]. Besides prediction of death time, forensic entomology helps forensic sciences and forensic system by determining the location of death according to ecological properties of insects and whether the victim takes a narcotic or poison [12]. Although collection of insects from the crime scene is long and troublesome, it should be done definitely.…”