LAUSR

Significance Our justice system relies critically on the use of forensic science. More than a decade ago, a highly critical report raised significant concerns as to the reliability of many forensic techniques. These concerns persist today. Of particular concern to us is the use of photographic pattern analysis that attempts to identify an individual from purportedly distinct features. Such techniques have been used extensively in the courts over the past half century without, in our opinion, proper validation. We propose, therefore, that a large class of these forensic techniques should be subjected to rigorous analysis to determine their efficacy and appropriateness in the identification of individuals. A 2009 report by the National Academy of Sciences was highly critical of many forensic practices. This report concluded that significant changes and advances were required to ensure the reliability across the forensic sciences. We examine the reliability of one such forensic technique used for identification based on purported distinct patterns on the seams of denim pants. Although first proposed more than 20 years ago, no thorough analysis of reliability or reproducibility of this forensic technique has previously been reported. We performed a detailed analysis of this forensic technique to determine its reliability and efficacy.