More on the question 'When does absence of evidence constitute evidence of absence?' How Bayesian confirmation theory can logically support the answer. (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Taroni, F.; Bozza, S.; Hicks, T.; Garbolino, P.
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 301(2019)
• Page Start: e59
• Page End: e63
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: Evidence evaluation -- Absence of evidence -- Bayesian confirmation theory; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine légale -- Périodiques; Chimie légale -- Périodiques; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; Chemistry, Forensic; Medical jurisprudence; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.05.044
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0379-0738

Abstract

Abstract: In forensic science it is not rare that common sayings are used to support particular inferences. A typical example is the adage 'The absence of evidence is not evidence of absence'. This paper analyzes the rationale hidden behind such statement and it offers a structural way to approach the analysis of this particular adage throughout a careful analysis of four different scenarios.