LOCARD’S EXCHANGE PRINCIPLE

Q) Write a note on Locard’s exchange principle and it application?

A) (I) Definition –
(1) Locard’s exchange principle states that when any two objects come into contact, there is always a transfer of material from each object on
to the other.
(2) Locard's exchange principle is an important part of forensic science investigation. It states that anyone entering crime scene leaves behind
a trace when committing a violent crime and takes something away. It is the investigator's duty to find this trace evidence and reconstruct the
events of the crime.
(3) This principle is often used as a sure proof of crime.
(4) It’s called cross-transference, and though it brings to mind fingerprints, fibers and DNA, it applies to electronic evidence, too

(II) Locard’s exchange principle initiated by – The principle was first enunciated by Edmond Locard (1877-1966), often referred to as the
Sherlock Holmes of France.

(III) Application of Locard's Exchange Principle-

(1) According to Locard's "every contact leaves a trace" theory, it is impossible to commit a crime without leaving behind fragmentary (or trace)
evidence. It is the investigators job to collect the physical evidence and carefully examine it, so as to create systematic documentation. The
documentation of the physical evidence along with the statements of the witness, suspects, and victims help in crime reconstruction.

(2) The physical evidence left behind at the crime scene plays a crucial role in reconstructing the events that took place surrounding the crime.
The collection and documentation of physical evidence is the foundation of a reconstruction.

(3) Associative evidence - The logic behind this principle allows investigators to link suspects to victims, to physical objects, and to scenes.
Any evidence that can link a person to the scene is referred to as associative evidence. This may include items such as fingerprints, blood
and bodily fluids, weapons, hair, fibers and the like. This type of evidence answers the question “Who did this?”

(4) Reconstructive evidence - While associative evidence links people to the place of the crime, reconstructive evidence allows investigators
to gain an understanding of the actions that took place at the scene. A broken window, a blood spatter pattern, bullet paths and shoe prints can
all reveal what actually happened. This type of evidence answers the question, “How did it happen?”

(5) To help establish the linkage of people and things to a scene, the investigator may also collect known substances, called control samples.
These can be items such as fibers from carpeting at the scene, glass fragments, soil, vegetation and other trace evidence. If these are found
on the suspect’s clothing, in their vehicle or at their residence, it could provide circumstantial evidence linking the person to the scene.

(IV) Fragmentary or trace evidence - Fragmentary or trace evidence is any type of material left at (or taken from) a crime scene, or the result
of contact between two surfaces, such as shoes and the floor covering or soil, or fibers from where someone sat on an upholstered chair.
The trace evidence can be divided into –
(1) Physical (clothing, glass fragments, paint chips etc)
(2) Biological (DNA, fingerpints, hair)
(3) Natural evidence (soil, pollen, seeds and plants)
(V) Collection of trace evidence –
(1) When a crime is committed, fragmentary (or trace) evidence needs to be collected from the scene.
(2) A team of specialized police technicians goes to the scene of the crime and seals it off.
(3) They record video and take photographs of the crime scene, victim/s (if there are any) and items of evidence.
(4) If necessary, they undertake ballistics examinations.
(5) They check for foot, shoe, and tire mark impressions, plus hair as well as examine any vehicles and check for fingerprints - whole or partial.

(VI) Examples –
(1) Scene of crime - Criminal goes to scene of crime. Two objects that come into contact are criminal’s feet and soil. Criminal leaves his
footprints on soil, and soil sticks to criminal’s feet. From footprints left at the scene of crime, criminal can be traced. Conversely from analysis of
soil sticking to the shoes of criminal, it can be established, where he went (as soil of all places is different)
(2) Rape - Vaginal cells stick to the penis and penile cells, spermatozoa etc to the vaginal canal. Examination of each can establish crime
(3) Homicide - Homicide by stab. Blood sticks to dagger. Dagger leaves its metallic traces on the wound

(VII) The Drawbacks of Locard's Theory –

(1) One of the greatest drawbacks of Locard's exchange theory lies in evidence dynamics. This refers to the alteration of physical evidence
before it has been examined by investigators. There are many factors that can lead to the tampering and destruction of evidence.
(i) Staging (manipulation of objects in crime scene) by the offender
(ii) Secondary transfer of evidence
(iii) Actions of the victim before the crime
(iv) Witness actions
(v) Natural factors like animal or insect activity, weather, and decomposition.
(vi) Fire suppression efforts
(vii) Actions of police, scene technicians and medical personnel.

(2) These factors can lead to the removal or obliteration of the evidence. They can often mislead the investigators and cause problems with
crime reconstruction. Misinterpretations or misleading evidence can lead to inaccurate crime reconstruction.

(3) To avoid this, the investigator needs to make sure that the crime scene investigation and reconstruction is carried out with care.

(4) Use of barrier suits, sealing the crime scene, maintaining proper chain of custody, etc will reduce chances of contamination of trace
evidences.