From Crime Scene to Court - How Should Future Research Address the Current Limitations in Forensic Entomology?

Sep 14, 2026

Uploaded by McQueen

Over the last 50 years, forensic entomology research has expanded rapidly, despite the serious consequences of court decisions. A questionnaire-based study collected global input from professionals involved in collecting, preparing, presenting, and using entomological evidence, supported by bibliometric analysis of publication and collaboration patterns. Findings show predominant use for determining minimum post-mortem intervals, alongside recognized application and use weaknesses. Bibliometrics revealed strong country-level clustering, limited cross-country collaboration, and barriers likely intensified by few open-access journals.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryPresentations

FormatPDF

Pages19

Reading Time7 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Minimum post-mortem interval estimation

Other forensic contributions

Challenges and standardization needs

J. Forensic Ento., 2022, 1 From Crime Scene to Court: How Should Future Research Address the Current Limitations in Forensic Entomology? Kate M. Barnes1*, Adam S. Long1, Ian S. Baker2 and Mark T. Bulling3 1School of Human Sciences, College of Science and Engineering, University of Derby, Kedleston Road DE22 1GB, UK, 2School of Psychology, College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Kedleston Road DE22 1GB, UK 3School of Built and Natural Environment, College of Science and Engineering, University of Derby, Kedleston Road DE22 1GB, UK *[Corresponding author:](Corresponding author: K.Barnes1@derby.ac.uk)[ ](Corresponding author: K.Barnes1@derby.ac.uk)[K.Barnes1@derby.ac.uk](Corresponding author: K.Barnes1@derby.ac.uk) Abstract: Over the last 50 years, there has been a dramatic increase in the amount of research being conducted in forensic entomology. Given the gravity of the consequences of court decisions, it is essential to assess how research in forensic entomology supports its practical application in criminal investigations and in court. In this study, we employed a questionnaire-based approach, gathering information from professionals from across the world involved in the collection and preparation of forensic entomological evidence, as well as those who present and utilize such evidence in court. This was supported by abibliometric approach that examined research publication and collaboration patterns. The questionnaire survey indicated that forensic entomology is predominantly utilized to determine minimum post-mortem intervals. While entomologists are generally confident in their ability to collect, preserve, store, identify and interpret entomological evidence, several weaknesses in the application and use of forensic entomology were identified. Additionally, the bibliometric study revealed extensive research clustering within countries, with relatively little cross-country collaboration. This may result in inhibited flow of research findings, which is likely exacerbated by the small number of appropriate open-access journals. The vast array of factors that may affect insect behavior, development, community structure, and dynamics, as well as sampling reliability, make forensic entomology particularly challenging. Therefore, standardization of procedures, validation of methodologies, and accreditation frameworks will be critical for maximizing the utility of practical forensic entomology. Research must underpin the future development of forensic entomology, but it will be most effective with greater collaboration between research teams and researchers and practitioners. The global research community will need to be more coordinated and standardized to achieve its potential in supporting practical applications inside and outside of the court, thereby maximizing the societal value of forensic entomology. Keywords: Insect; postmortem interval; standard procedure; validation; entomological evidence BARNES ET AL. (2022) FROM CRIME SCENE TO COURT. J. Forensic Ento., 2022, 1 Introduction Forensic entomology is the study of insects within a legal context and encompasses the areas of stored product entomology, urban entomology, and medico-legal entomology (1) . The latter, upon which we focus here, utilizes data on insects collected from a body, either living or dead, to infer details about the crime that has been committed. Forensic entomology was first documented in thirteenth-century China and was first used to provide evidence in a criminal investigation in Europe in 1850 and the UK in 1935 (1,2) . Entomological evidence is now frequently collected from crime scenes and used in courts around the world, being used to determine temporal, spatial, and causal aspects of a crime or help identify a victim. One of the most fundamental ways forensic entomology can contribute to detailing a crime is by helping to estimate the minimum post mortem interval (mPMI), the time th

FAQs

What was the main purpose of the study?

To evaluate how current forensic entomology research supports practical criminal investigations and court use, especially in light of existing limitations. It combined questionnaire evidence with bibliometric analysis of publications and collaboration patterns.

How is forensic entomology most commonly used in practice?

It is predominantly used to determine minimum post-mortem intervals (mPMI). This is done using insect development stages and temperature profiles, and later through insect community composition and succession patterns.

What barriers were identified for advancing forensic entomology research?

The study found extensive research clustering within countries and relatively little cross-country collaboration. It also points to challenges from the limited number of appropriate open-access journals and the difficulty of accounting for many factors affecting insect biology and sampling reliability.

Sep 14, 2026

Uploaded by McQueen