How unique is the human hand and why might it matter? In certain types of crime, images of the back of a hand may be the only evidence of a first-generation offence and investigative authorities will wish to know the likelihood that the hand belongs to their suspect. Using features of anatomical aetiology, the research has helped to secure 28 life sentences and over 300 years of prison sentencing for a crime against our most vulnerable members of society.
Professor Dame Sue Black is the President of the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland, and the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Engagement at Lancaster University. In this talk, she will highlight how the need for this research came about, how it is currently being used within the UK criminal justice system and where the research is heading in the future.
