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Types and Analysis of Footprints

The document discusses the nature, collection, and identification of footprints, including types such as depressed, two-dimensional, and negative prints. It outlines methods for collecting footprints, such as photography, tracing, lifting, and casting, as well as identification characteristics like shape, pattern, and toe marks. Additionally, it references legal cases that highlight the limitations of footprint evidence in court, emphasizing that while it can support other evidence, it is not sufficient on its own for conviction.

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27 views6 pages

Types and Analysis of Footprints

The document discusses the nature, collection, and identification of footprints, including types such as depressed, two-dimensional, and negative prints. It outlines methods for collecting footprints, such as photography, tracing, lifting, and casting, as well as identification characteristics like shape, pattern, and toe marks. Additionally, it references legal cases that highlight the limitations of footprint evidence in court, emphasizing that while it can support other evidence, it is not sufficient on its own for conviction.

Uploaded by

Wild Rift
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Footprints

• Footprints – generic term – bare footprint or shoeprint


• Nature of Footprints -
a. Depressed print or three-dimensional print – Sunken foot impression
b. Two-dimensional print by deposition of material on hard surface –
Surface footprint
c. Negative print
• Location of Footprint
• Preservation of Footprint
• Visible Footprint & Latent Footprint
• Collection of Footprints –
a. Photography - [Link]
b. Tracing
c. Lifting
i. Photo Bromide paper - [Link]
ii. Static Electricity Lift - [Link]
d. Casting
• Collection & comparison
• Identification Characteristics –
a. General shape – normal, flat, club foot
b. Pattern – Ridge pattern
c. Margins – outline of the heel and inner & outer boundary line of the
foot
d. Toe marks – shapes & sizes of toes, missing toes, extra toes, inter
spaces
e. Creases, cut marks etc
Analysis of Walking Pattern
Samples and Identification
• Samples: Multiple samples are taken from the suspect.
• Standing
• Sitting
• Pressure inwards; pressure outwards
• Walking
• Running

• Identification:
• Measurements
• Side-by-side comparison
• Photographic superimposition
• Adhesive tape superimposition
• Pressure pattern evaluation
Cases
• Pritam Singh and Anr. v. State of Punjab AIR 1956 SC 415
• The Court observed that the science of identification of footprints is no doubt a
rudimentary science and not much reliance can be placed on the result of such
identification. The track evidence, however, can be relied upon as a circumstance,
which, along with other circumstances, would point to the identity of the culprit
though by itself it would not be enough to carry conviction in the minds of court.
• State of Bihar v. Kapil Singh AIR 1969 SC 53
• ……The evidence in its very nature is a very weak type of evidence, and it would
not be safe to rely on this evidence, and discarded it.

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