On the Problem of Assessing the Evidential Value of Glass Fragments Embedded in Footwear

The footpaths of metropolitan Auckland, New Zealand were searched for pieces of broken colourless glass, and the probable source of each piece was determined. It was found that the majority of pieces originated from containers. An assessment of the evidential value of glass found in footwear should be made with reference to a survey that reflects the types of broken glass encountered at random. This survey of glass found on footpaths is an attempt at such a realistic assessment.