This NACDL free live webinar is being offered in Aug. 6, 2020 at 3:00 pm. It is open to NACDL members and non-members. The webinar will cover how defense attorneys can challenge the use of social media evidence in criminal cases, as courts continue to grapple with the constitutionality and scope of the Stored Communications …
Upcoming Webinar – (Mis)identified: The Challenges of Identifying & Litigating Facial Recognition Technology in Criminal Cases
Police departments, federal agencies, and technology companies across the country are seeing revived scrutiny of facial recognition technology, which is capable of identifying people, sometimes without their knowledge or consent. Research has repeatedly demonstrated that some facial recognition systems perform differently depending on race and gender, and the use of such technology is not always …
New Uniform Language for Testimony and Reports documents published by US DOJ
The U.S. Department of Justice is developing guidance documents governing the testimony and reports of its forensic experts. These documents, known as “Uniform Language for Testimony and Reports,” or ULTR documents, are designed to provide guidance on the submission of scientific statements by the Department’s forensic examiners when drafting reports or testifying. The ULTRs are …
New Uniform Language for Testimony and Reports documents published by US DOJRead More
Forensic mental health evaluations during the COVID-19 pandemic
Several attorneys have asked about having in-custody clients evaluated for competency or purposes during the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve talked with experts about their availability and many are available, if appropriate measures to ensure safety are in place during the mental health evaluation. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to how to conduct these necessary evaluations, but …
Forensic mental health evaluations during the COVID-19 pandemicRead More
Upcoming Webinar Series: Serology, DNA and Probabilistic Genotyping Evidence
Please use this link to register for the series. Prior to the program, you will receive the link to connect to the webinar. If you have questions, please contact Sarah.R.Olson@nccourts.org. NC Indigent Defense Services and ForensiGen, LLC will offer a free-to-attend 3-part webinar series on serology, DNA, and probabilistic genotyping evidence. Dr. Max Noureddine will …
Upcoming Webinar Series: Serology, DNA and Probabilistic Genotyping EvidenceRead More
What to watch when quarantined
Are you done with Tiger King and don’t know what to watch next? Each of the series below is available on Netflix and offers insight into various forensic evidence methods. How to Fix a Drug ScandalThis four-episode series chronicles what happens when two drug analysts in Massachusetts commit misconduct in the lab. The series examines …
Noteworthy NC COA fingerprint opinion
Defenders should take note of State v. Koiyan, COA19-951, an April 7, 2020 decision where the NC Court of Appeals found that the trial court erred by admitting fingerprint testimony where the examiner “failed to demonstrate that he ‘applied the principles and methods reliably to the facts of the case,’ as required by Rule 702(a)(3).” …
Cell Phone Forensics and Cell Phone Location Evidence Online CLEs
Envista Forensics will present two free-to-view online CLEs in April. 1.0 hours of General or Information Technology CLE credit is anticipated for each session. Attorneys receiving CLE credit will be billed $3.50 per credit hour by the NC State Bar. The program is being offered for criminal defense attorneys and criminal defense investigators. Registration is …
Cell Phone Forensics and Cell Phone Location Evidence Online CLEsRead More
Online CLE – Working with Mental Health Experts: Psychological Testing in Criminal Cases
Friday, May 15, 20201:00-2:00 pm This previously-announced program will now be offered as a webinar instead of an in-person event. If you plan to attend, please register using this link and we will send you the WebEx instructions by email prior to the program. If you have questions, please email Sarah.R.Olson@nccourts.org. Co-Sponsored by the Guilford …
Online CLE – Working with Mental Health Experts: Psychological Testing in Criminal CasesRead More
Forensic resources in the time of Coronavirus
Many of you remain on the front lines of criminal defense in these challenging times. IDS thanks you for your commitment and dedication. Others may find themselves working from home and perhaps delving into issues that they haven’t been able to address previously. In either case, I remain available to assist you with the forensic …
New Standard for Detection Dogs
The AAFS Standards Board has issued the General Guidelines for Training, Certification, and Documentation of Canine Detection Disciplines. The new standard contains requirements for the development of training of canine handlers and canines. It also details the canine team assessments and the basis for certification procedures including record keeping and document management. The AAFS Standards …
Testimony regarding an inconclusive DNA mixture
State v. Phillips, COA19-372 (Dec. 2019) – NC Court of Appeals found that the admission of testimony about an inconclusive DNA mixture was expert testimony, was not based on sufficient facts or data nor is the product of is the product of reliable scientific principles and methods, and that the trial court erred in admitting the testimony which prejudiced the defendant.
Behavioral Science Briefs for the Trial Advocate
A deep understanding of human behavior offers an edge to trial attorneys. Yet the sheer volume of studies published each month in the behavioral sciences prevents most dedicated attorneys from remaining abreast of this rich literature base. In support of attorneys who seek to practice at the highest levels, board-certified forensic psychologists Dr. Daniel J. …
Psychological Assessments in Legal Contexts: Are Courts Keeping “Junk Science” Out of the Courtroom?
The Association for Psychological Science published a review by Tess Neal, Christopher Slobogin, Michael Saks, David Faigman, and Kurt Geisinger on the psychological assessment tools used by forensic psychologists. The study found 67% are generally accepted in the field and only about 40% have generally favorable reviews of their psychometric and technical properties. The study …
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Do you love getting regular forensic updates right in your inbox? If you do, today is a great day to share this resource with a colleague! I am working on increasing the number of blog subscribers that I have so that more legal professionals stay up-to-date on forensic evidence. If you have a colleague who …