RONSAM
TUTORS
FOR3701 ASSIGNMENT 02 SEMESTER 02
DUE 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
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, QUESTION 1.1
The starting point of any investigation is the Locard theory. Explain in your
own words what this theory means, and who discovered it.
The Locard Principle of Exchange, formulated by Dr. Edmond Locard, a French
criminologist, in the early 20th century, is a foundational concept in forensic science.
The principle asserts that "every contact leaves a trace," meaning whenever a
person comes into contact with another person, object, or location, there is a mutual
exchange of materials. This exchange can involve fibers, skin cells, hair, or other
forms of trace evidence. Locard’s principle underpins the investigative process by
enabling investigators to link a suspect to a crime scene or victim through the
physical evidence left behind (Mokwena,6).
While the Locard Principle remains a crucial guideline, developments in technology,
particularly in digital communications, have introduced new dimensions to criminal
investigations. For instance, the advent of mobile phones has created additional
means of tracing suspects, such as through mobile handset signals. Modern
communication networks continuously record the location of a handset whenever it is
active, whether making a call, sending a text, or even when switched on but not in
use. This data, stored remotely in-network provider databases, allows law
enforcement to track suspects’ movements and establish their presence at a crime
scene without needing physical traces (Mokwena,6).
The reliance on cell phone evidence highlights the evolving nature of forensic
methods. For example, Inman and Rudin (2001:94) suggest that while Locard's
principle remains unchallenged, it should be tested and expanded scientifically to
accommodate these technological advancements. The Lochner Principle,
established in 2006 and patented in 2010, extends Locard’s concept to include
digital traces, particularly those related to mobile phone technology. This new
principle affirms the validity of the Locard Principle in the context of modern
investigative techniques and highlights the indispensable role of digital evidence in
forensic investigations (Mokwena, 2024:6).
