Criminalistic Zoom Levels: Unravelling the Hierarchy of Forensic Traces
Organized by: International Forensic Scientist Awards
Website: forensicscientist.org
14th Edition of Forensic Scientist Awards 26-27 September 2025 | Mumbai, India
Introduction
Forensic science thrives on the careful interpretation of traces—whether physical or digital—that provide clues about criminal activities. Each trace tells part of the story, but when examined in isolation, its meaning may be limited. To bridge this gap, researchers have introduced the concept of criminalistic zoom levels, a framework that describes the hierarchical relations between different types of forensic traces.
What Are Criminalistic Zoom Levels?
Criminalistic zoom levels are a way of looking at evidence from different perspectives, much like zooming in and out of a digital map. They help forensic investigators understand how microscopic details connect to broader patterns in both the physical and digital worlds. This approach emphasizes synergy by linking the traces studied by various examiners into a more cohesive interpretation.
Tracing the Roots of a Trace
The term “trace” has deep etymological and scientific roots. In forensic literature, traces are defined in multiple ways—ranging from the smallest physical particle, such as a fiber or fingerprint, to digital footprints left behind in metadata. By appreciating these definitions, we can better appreciate how traces function as carriers of information.
From Fibers to Metadata: Bridging Worlds
Consider two investigative scenarios:
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Physical Forensics: Fibers, fingerprints, and bloodstains are pieced together to reconstruct events.
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Digital Forensics: Metadata, logs, and digital imprints form the backbone of cyber investigations.
While these domains may seem distinct, criminalistic zoom levels reveal a parallel: both rely on hierarchical relationships between traces, scaling from micro-level details to macro-level narratives.
Why the Concept Matters
This framework draws inspiration from how digital forensic experts handle metadata, but it applies equally well to physical forensics. By establishing hierarchical layers, investigators can:
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Understand connections between different types of evidence.
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Align methodologies across physical and digital domains.
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Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration.
Relation to the Hierarchy of Propositions
In forensic interpretation, propositions form a logical structure for assessing evidence. Criminalistic zoom levels complement this by situating each trace within a hierarchy, showing not only what is found but also how it connects to broader investigative questions.
Conclusion
Criminalistic zoom levels encourage forensic professionals to move beyond siloed analysis and embrace a multi-layered, interconnected view of evidence. Whether analyzing a fingerprint or a piece of metadata, investigators can better reconstruct events, improve collaboration, and ultimately strengthen the pursuit of justice.
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