Forensic Science and Law: An Analysis of the Hien Puoc Tang Case

This case study analyzes the Hien Puoc Tang case, focusing on the use of forensic evidence, specifically facial and body mapping techniques, in an armed robbery trial. The analysis details the robbery, the subsequent investigation, and the challenges in presenting the evidence, which included poor quality surveillance footage. The case explores the admissibility of expert testimony, particularly the criticisms of the methods used by Dr. Sutisno, and the court's rejection of the evidence due to lack of specialized knowledge and reliability concerns. The analysis compares the Tang case with the Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals case, which influenced the court's decision. The study also examines similar cases and the reforms and repercussions of the Tang case, emphasizing the importance of scientific rigor, validation of techniques, and the impact of technological advancements on forensic science. The conclusion highlights the interplay between science, law, and forensic science, underscoring the need for forensic practitioners to present evidence accurately and understandably to avoid confusing the jury. The case's impact on the field of forensic science is discussed, emphasizing the need for accuracy and reliable results.

HIEN PUOC TANG CASE
ANALYSIS
Name
Institution

Introduction
Summary of the case details
• Hien Puoc case- an armed robbery incidence dated on 14th March
2003 carried out by three people
• The robbery took place in a convenience store and captured by an
installed surveillance device
• Tape (video) was of poor quality
• Two of the offenders were arrested few days after the incidence but
there was no enough evidence to apprehend Tang (3rd offender)

Cont…
• Dr. Meiya Sutisno identified Tang’s image from the surveillance video
through facial and body mapping techniques
• The footage lacked clarity
• Therefore, facial mapping technique could not be accepted as a
reliable method of presenting opinion-based evidence
• Eight months later, Tang apprehended through forensic analysis of
fingerprints

Forensic evidence presented
• Facial mapping and body mapping techniques
Photo-anthropometry
Photograph superimposition
Morphological analysis.
These techniques were based on the footage obtained from the
surveillance cameras.
• Fingerprints obtained from the three packs of cigarette that were
recovered after they were stolen. The fingerprint matched those of
Tang.

Issues that arose after the presentation of the forensic evidence
• Evidence presented by Dr. Sutisno received a lot of criticism from the
jury and the judges
• The dismissal was based on;
Failure to explain the strict protocol used.
Failure to determine the origin of the protocol and development.

Cont.…
• The jury lacked specialized knowledge in understanding photographic
evidence analysis process
• The body and facial techniques generated a variety of results
therefore, regarded unreliable
• The expert considered a stranger to the suspect and so, recognizing of
the offender was not convincing
• The law is generally about facts while science keeps on changing
drastically.

Analysis of the issues that arose from the evidence presented
 Facial mapping and body mapping
• Tang’s case received an appeal based on the admissibility of the
evidence presented from the facial and body mapping techniques
• Dr. Sutisnon revealed that the person of interest that was on the
surveillance images was Hien Puoc Tang.
• However, the images were of such a poor quality that their reliability
could not be guaranteed
• Chief Justice Spigelman, therefore, rejected them on the basis that they
were not credible

Cont.…
• Specialized knowledge (wholly or substantially) is crucial in any
scientific analysis
• Court conclusion- Facial mapping technique used by Dr. Sutisno was
not based on specialized knowledge
• Her findings were not accepted due to lack of supportive opinions

Similar cases to Tang’s case
• Daubert v Merrell Dow Pharmaceutical Inc case
This case influenced the court decision immensely
The United States Supreme Court gave out a detailed explanation
regarding the admissibility of opinions as it is given in the Federal
Rules of Evidence (1975) approach
The opinions had to be derived from a specialized knowledge,
technical, and scientific ideas.
The term knowledge applies to the known facts that can be proven
beyond reasonable doubts

Cont.…
• The same issues arose in the Honeysett v The Queen, Morgan v The
Queen case, Makita Pty Ltd v Sprowles, and Murdoch v The Queen
• They had an effect on the outcome of the case as they influenced the
judge’s decisions
• There was a lack of credible sources based on the techniques used
• The methods as well required proper validation to ensure accurate
and reliable results were obtained

Reform and repercussions of the case
• Use of morphological analysis to determine facial features leads to
alterations due to changes in photographic angles
• The case brought forth several points;
Importance of specialized knowledge
Reliability
Validation of techniques used
Changing nature of science

Cont.…
• Forensic Practitioner need to present their findings and evidence in a
scientific manner and with scientific rigor
• The field of science is changing time-to-time mainly due to technology
advancement
• Therefore, scientific skills in the techniques employed is essential in
producing reliable results.