Have you received a lab report in a DWI case where blood is tested by the State Crime Lab for cannabinoids? If so, the report probably had a section that looked like this: When forensic labs test blood for marijuana, they test for the presence of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the primary psychoactive component of …
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Evaluating Animal Abuse Cases Using Veterinary Forensics
Live webinar presented by Clarissa Noureddine DVM, MS (Veterinary Forensics), MS (Biology)November 4, 2021, 1:00 pm60 min of CLE credit anticipated Animal abuse cases can be charged with strong emotions and opinions from multiple entities (e.g., general public, media, and even legal and law enforcement entities). The purpose of this webinar is to step away …
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2021 IDS Forensic Science Education Series
We have scheduled our final three webinars in the 2021 IDS Forensic Science Education Series. They include presentations on accident reconstruction, veterinary forensics, and forensic pathology. Check out the schedule below for more information! So far this year, IDS has provided over 1000 hours of continuing education to dozens of NC criminal defense and parent …
Webinar: Challenging Accident Reconstruction Evidence
Part of the IDS Forensic Science Education Series
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New Online CLE based on Autopsy of a Crime Lab: Exposing the Flaws of Forensics
This is a re-post from UNC School of Government North Carolina Criminal Law blog. The original post appears here. A new book by Brandon Garrett is a deep dive into the misuse of forensic evidence in criminal courtrooms. To borrow from its description, Autopsy of a Crime Lab: Exposing the Flaws of Forensics “is the first book …
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Complex DNA Mixtures Interpretation and the Incorporation of Probabilistic Genotyping (PG) Software, Part 2
Live webinar presented by Dr. Maher “Max” NoureddineSeptember 16, 2021, 1:00 pm90 min of CLE credit anticipated As a follow up to his program offered on Aug. 5, 2021, Dr. Noureddine will offer this additional presentation on probabilistic genotyping (PG) software. This presentation will provide more in-depth information about likelihood ratios and PG software used …
Don’t Geofence Me In: Have You Been Caught in a Google Location History Warrant?
Spencer McInvaille has posted about geofence warrants on the Envista Forensics blog. These warrants have been used in several NC cases. If you’re handling a case involving a Google location history warrant, be sure to check out Spencer’s post to understand how these searches work and the constitutional implications of this type of search. Click …
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DNA-only evidence not sufficient in CT case
Defenders may be interested to read the Connecticut Supreme Court decision, State v. Andre Dawson (2021) in which the Court found that the state failed to present sufficient evidence of constructive possession where the defendant could not be excluded from a DNA mixture containing a partial profile found on a firearm. In the case, a …
Unpublished COA Opinion highlights the importance of preserving objections to expert testimony
In State v. Martin, an Aug. 3, 2021 unpublished opinion, the Court of Appeals found that it was error to admit the expert’s testimony, but that it was not plain error. At trial, a NC State Crime Lab drug chemistry expert testified to GCMS results without explaining methodology, the reliability of methodology, or the application …
Webinar: Cannabis and NC Law Update
Live webinar presented by Phil Dixon Jr.September 2, 2021, 1:00 pm60 min of CLE credit anticipated During this CLE, Phil Dixon will provide an overview of legislation addressing legal hemp products and recent Court of Appeals cases involving cannabis. Challenges to probable cause based on odor and sight of “marijuana” that have been litigated in …
Webinar: Complex DNA Mixtures Interpretation and the Incorporation of Probabilistic Genotyping (PG) Software
Live webinar presented by Dr. Maher “Max” NoureddineAugust 5, 2021, 1:00 pm 90 min of CLE credit During this CLE, the attendees will learn more about the theory of DNA mixture interpretation using conventional and computer-based probabilistic models, the power and limitations of PG software, and the challenges of confronting PG results in court cases. …
The effect of contextual information on decision-making in forensic toxicology
This recent study by Dr. Hilary J. Hamnett and Dr. Itiel E. Dror looked into the possible effects of contextual case information in forensic toxicology testing. Two experiments were conducted in this study. The first focused on the interpretation of immunoassay screening data and the error rates of the participants’ conclusions. The participants were asked …
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Field Sobriety Tests and THC Levels Unreliable Indicators of Marijuana Intoxication
National Institute of Justice-supported researchers from RTI International recently published the results of their research showing that field sobriety tests and THC levels are unreliable indicators of marijuana intoxication. The full study can be read here. A summary of the research is available here and provided the following take-aways that will be of interest for …
Field Sobriety Tests and THC Levels Unreliable Indicators of Marijuana IntoxicationRead More
New Resource for Attorneys Appointed in Felony Sex Offense Cases
IDS is pleased to announce a new program to support attorneys assigned to handle serious sex offense cases. Starting June 1, 2021, attorneys representing clients charged with felony sex offenses may seek consultation on those cases with Susan Seahorn or Lisa Dubs. We recognize that these cases are challenging and complex and hope that the …
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Human Factors in Forensic Science Webinar
Live webinar presented by Jeff Kukucka, Ph.D.June 3, 2021, 1:00 pm60 min of CLE credit anticipated Dr. Jeff Kukucka will present on how social and cognitive biases influence criminal investigations and trials, and how use of psychology can improve the justice system. His presentation will cover recent research on the role that potentially biasing information …