FOR3701
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2025
Unique #:524227
Due Date: 24 April 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1.1
The Locard Exchange Principle states that whenever two objects come into
contact, there is always a mutual exchange of materials. In forensic science, this
principle is foundational, as it implies that a perpetrator of a crime will bring
something into the crime scene and leave with something from it. This exchange
can include microscopic materials such as fibers, hair, skin cells, or soil particles
(Van der Westhuizen, 2021).
In the context of the case study, the Locard Principle can be applied to the
suspects' vehicles—the BMW X1 and the Audi A4. These vehicles are crucial
contact points between the suspects, their environment, and any weapons or
tools used during the attempted robbery. Investigators can examine the interior
and exterior of the cars for trace evidence such as gunshot residue, hair, skin
flakes, or fibers from the suspects' clothing. Moreover, evidence such as
fingerprints or DNA on door handles, steering wheels, and seatbelts can link
specific suspects to specific roles or activities. Even soil or plant matter from a
previous crime scene might be recovered from the wheels or undercarriage,
potentially connecting the suspects to other CIT robberies.
QUESTION 1.2
Several types of physical and biological evidence may be transferred between the
suspects and the vehicles during the commission of a crime. According to the
Locard Exchange Principle, this interaction results in mutual contamination
between the environment, the suspect, and the vehicle (Van der Westhuizen,
2021).
First, biological evidence such as hair, blood, saliva, or sweat may be
transferred when suspects touch or bleed onto vehicle surfaces. DNA from such
materials can directly identify individuals. Second, trace evidence like fibers from
clothing or upholstery may be left behind, helping to confirm physical presence
inside a specific vehicle. Latent fingerprints may be deposited on smooth
surfaces like door handles, dashboards, and weapons, linking suspects to objects
or roles. Gunshot residue (GSR) on the seats, doors, or floor mats could confirm
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2025
Unique #:524227
Due Date: 24 April 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1.1
The Locard Exchange Principle states that whenever two objects come into
contact, there is always a mutual exchange of materials. In forensic science, this
principle is foundational, as it implies that a perpetrator of a crime will bring
something into the crime scene and leave with something from it. This exchange
can include microscopic materials such as fibers, hair, skin cells, or soil particles
(Van der Westhuizen, 2021).
In the context of the case study, the Locard Principle can be applied to the
suspects' vehicles—the BMW X1 and the Audi A4. These vehicles are crucial
contact points between the suspects, their environment, and any weapons or
tools used during the attempted robbery. Investigators can examine the interior
and exterior of the cars for trace evidence such as gunshot residue, hair, skin
flakes, or fibers from the suspects' clothing. Moreover, evidence such as
fingerprints or DNA on door handles, steering wheels, and seatbelts can link
specific suspects to specific roles or activities. Even soil or plant matter from a
previous crime scene might be recovered from the wheels or undercarriage,
potentially connecting the suspects to other CIT robberies.
QUESTION 1.2
Several types of physical and biological evidence may be transferred between the
suspects and the vehicles during the commission of a crime. According to the
Locard Exchange Principle, this interaction results in mutual contamination
between the environment, the suspect, and the vehicle (Van der Westhuizen,
2021).
First, biological evidence such as hair, blood, saliva, or sweat may be
transferred when suspects touch or bleed onto vehicle surfaces. DNA from such
materials can directly identify individuals. Second, trace evidence like fibers from
clothing or upholstery may be left behind, helping to confirm physical presence
inside a specific vehicle. Latent fingerprints may be deposited on smooth
surfaces like door handles, dashboards, and weapons, linking suspects to objects
or roles. Gunshot residue (GSR) on the seats, doors, or floor mats could confirm
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
