Forensic Pedology: From Soil Trace Evidence to Courtroom

Abstract

Forensic pedology is the study of soil to answer legally related questions and problems. Soil evidence could play an important role to answer legal questions in court and to solve crimes. In this chapter, it is explained how soil is as a type of trace evidence in terms of its properties. There are various techniques and methods to study soil. In the National University of Singapore, the Forensic Science Research team uses the scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, which is a relatively new method to profile soil. Here, the team’s methodology is explained. Finally, case studies in Singapore show the importance of soil science expertise in solving rape and murder cases.