Crime and Justice Atlas

How Justice Is Served
Foundational Concepts

Locard's Exchange Principle

Also Known As Locard's Principle

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The foundational forensic science maxim, formulated by Edmond Locard, that the perpetrator of a crime brings something into the scene and leaves with something from it, summarized as every contact leaves a trace; it underlies the entire practice of trace evidence analysis.

Facts
DomainSourced to the subject's own account
Forensic science methodology 1
Cross-Tradition Connections

Informed

Trace evidence analysis is the forensic discipline built directly on this principle.

Informed By

Sources
1. Wikipedia: Locard's exchange principle
opening paragraph
Quote, opening paragraph
the perpetrator of a crime will bring something into the crime scene and leave with something from it, and that both can be used as forensic evidence
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1. Wikipedia: Locard's exchange principle
Forensic science section, short form
Quote, Forensic science section, short form
In forensic science, Locard's principle holds that the perpetrator of a crime will bring something into the crime scene and leave with something from it, and that both can be used as forensic evidence.
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1. Wikipedia: Locard's exchange principle
Informed By: Edmond Locard, opening paragraph, originator
Quote, Informed By: Edmond Locard, opening paragraph, originator
Edmond Locard (1877-1966)...was a pioneer in forensic science who became known as the Sherlock Holmes of Lyon, France
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1. Wikipedia: Locard's exchange principle
Informed: Trace Evidence Analysis, opening paragraph, core maxim
Quote, Informed: Trace Evidence Analysis, opening paragraph, core maxim
Every contact leaves a trace
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