A fantastic new publication is available for criminal defense attorneys working on cases with DNA evidence. DNA for the Defense Bar was published by the National Institute of Justice in June 2012 and is available for free download here. Normally I don’t recommend printing out publications because I love trees, but this is one resource …
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Digital Forensics for Attorneys
The UNC School of Government has posted a new on-demand virtual CLE entitled, Digital Forensics for Attorneys. Digital forensics expert Larry Daniel teaches this one-hour course which attorneys can view for free or purchase for $50 if CLE credit is needed. Daniel’s program provides an overview of digital forensic concepts, case examples, and relevant terminology. Attorneys …
The (Sorry) State of Forensics in the US [and perhaps the world]
Reposted from The Wrongful Convictions Blog by Phil Locke, Science and Technology Advisor, Ohio Innocence Project In 2009, The National Academies of Science of the United States published its Congressionally commissioned report: “Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States – A Path Forward.” Chapter 5 of the report presents a review of a number of …
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Greg Taylor and Darryl Hunt programs on April 12, 2012
Two programs featuring NC exonerees Greg Taylor and Darryl Hunt will be broadcast on April 12, 2012. The WRAL documentary, “6,149 Days” which premieres on April 12 at 8:00 pm recounts the flawed investigation that led to Greg Taylor’s conviction, Taylor’s 6,149 days in prison, and the fight to set him free. Steven D. Hammel, …
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FRONTLINE: The Real CSI
Mark your calendars: on April 17, 2012, FRONTLINE reports on serious flaws in forensic practices and inconsistencies in how forensic evidence is presented in the courtroom. The program will be broadcast on PBS stations and online. FRONTLINE investigates reliability of fingerprint analysis, ballistics, and bite mark analysis and evaluates the standards that govern these practices. …
New research on how vultures affect time of death determinations
Researchers at Texas State University’s forensic anthropology research facility, one of the country’s five “body farms,” have discovered that failure to take into account the role of vultures may have affected time of death calculations in homicide investigations. See press coverage here. The scientists observed a flock of vultures reduce a corpse that had been …
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Sexual Assault and Medical Forensic Examination Resources
For attorneys with questions about the appropriate procedures for conducting a sexual assault examination or a medical forensic examination, there is a new resource available here. The page includes links to national protocols and standards of practice that have been developed by the Department of Justice and other professional organizations. Attorneys can access training on …
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Forensic Science Advisory Board appointed
Judge Joseph R. John, Director of the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory, announced today that members of the North Carolina Forensic Science Advisory Board have been appointed. This board was statutorily created by the Forensic Sciences Act of 2011 which was signed into law on March 31, 2011. The members of the board are: Mr. …
Improving Arson Investigations
Discover Magazine recently published two articles about how recent scientific investigation has challenged the traditional principles and methodology of fire investigation. Spark of Truth: Can Science Bring Justice to Arson Trials? explains how these developments have occurred and Seven Myths About Arson debunks seven fire scene findings that have been used in numerous cases as …
Two Bullets, One Gun?
By Alyson Grine, Defender Educator, UNC School of Government In State v. Britt, __ N.C. App. __, __ S.E.2d __ (Dec. 6, 2011) the North Carolina Court of Appeals addressed the admissibility of expert testimony regarding firearms and toolmark identification. The facts, in brief: Nancy Britt, a Wake County school teacher, was shot and killed …
Crime Scene Investigation – New Website
As a follow-up to my post from earlier this week on crime scene investigation, I have created a website with articles and publications that describe best practices for physical evidence recognition, evidence preservation and collection, and crime scene documentation. I have posted standards and guidelines for crime scene investigation and other crime scene resources on …
Crime scene forensics: How does it work?
BBC News has posted a series of videos explaining how forensic tests are performed in crime labs on their Crime scene forensics: How does it work website. These short videos demonstrate various techniques including fingerprint comparisons, use of ninhydrin and superglue fuming (cyanoacrylate) to locate latent print evidence, firearm and projectile comparisons, and examination of …
Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence: Third Edition
The National Research Council recently released the third edition of the Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence, a manual developed to guide judges when they encounter scientific evidence at trials. The manual contains chapters on the admissibility of expert testimony as well as on particular topics of forensic science, including DNA evidence, toxicology, neuroscience, mental health …
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Investigation of Forensic Evidence – New 4th Circuit Case Involving Standards of Representation
On November 22, the Fourth Circuit decided a case involving a Sixth Amendment ineffective assistance of counsel claim based on the failure of counsel to investigate the State’s forensic evidence. In Elmore v. Ozmint, the Court found Elmore was entitled to relief, reversing and remanding the state capital murder conviction and directing the district court …
Law and Neuroscience Resource
The MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Law and Neuroscience is a centralized location where you can find publications, cases, news articles, training information and other resources on the intersection of law and neuroscience. The Network has a listserve that you can sign up for here. There is also a Law and Neuroscience Blog which provides …