The Significance of Negative Clues

Abstract

The study of 'The significance of negative clues' emphasizes the significance of negative clues - what is missing from a crime scene - in criminal investigations. It argues that the absence of certain evidence can sometimes reveal more about the crime than what is present. For example, in a child murder case, the lack of bloodstains led investigators to delve deeper, while in an attempted homicide case, the absence of gasoline contradicted the prosecution`s claims, resulting in an acquittal. The paper also explores psychological factors, such as the motives behind unsold stolen goods, which can influence how evidence is interpreted. Furthermore, the disappearance of Malaysian Flight MH370 is used to illustrate how missing electronic data can complicate investigations. In summary, the study suggests that investigators should consider both the presence and absence of evidence when analyzing a crime scene.