Firearms
Approved ULTR for the Forensic Firearms/Toolmarks Discipline – Pattern Match
Effective Aug. 15, 2020 In the firearm/toolmark pattern match Uniform Language for Testimony and Reports (ULTR), the new guidance for Department of Justice firearm examiners includes: [A]n examiner shall not: assert that a ‘source identification’ or a ‘source exclusion’ conclusion is based on the ‘uniqueness’ of an item of evidence. use the terms ‘individualize’ or …
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CSAFE 2020: Firearms and Toolmark Analysis
This presentation, now available to view for free, was given as a part of the Center for Statistics and Applications in Forensic Evidence’s (CSAFE) 2020 All Hands Meeting. The meeting brings together researchers, forensic partners, and interested community members to discover potential areas for collaboration, highlight the organization’s achievements, and discuss goals for the future. …
State of NY v. Mansell and Ross (2020)
Decision on Frye Motion making a finding that the relevant scientific community consists of the fields of forensic science, scientific methodology in studies and statistics, and psychology. The court ruled that the examiner may testify about class characteristics, but may not offer qualitative opinions on matters not adequately supported by the relevant scientific community, including …
New algorithm examines crime-scene bullets segment by segment
A D.C. judge issues a much-needed opinion on ‘junk science’
Cognitive Biases in the Peer Review of Bullet and Cartridge Case Comparison Casework: A Field Study
Jan. 28, 2020 article in Science & Justice finding that bias occurs in non-blind peer reviewed bullet and cartridge case comparisons. Higher status examiners have a large influence on the outcome of a discussion. Blind peer review may reduce the probability of bias during peer review.
FBI, federal prosecutors investigate District’s forensic firearms lab
Firearms expert forged signatures on lab reports, Maryland State Police say
Taking Aim at Faulty Forensics: An NCDC Cross-Examination Workshop
The importance of taking on prosecution forensic experts on behalf of clients cannot be overstated. It is no mystery how powerful forensic evidence is to jurors. Yet countless wrongful convictions are, in fact, the result of inaccurate, faulty, or unchallenged forensics. This practical workshop will prepare defense counsel to challenge unreliable expert testimony using a mock …
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Kennedy Assassination Bullets Preserved in Digital Form
He served 43 years for a murder he didn’t commit. Now he’s suing the county, sheriff and SBI.
2020 Taking Aim at Faulty Forensics: An NCDC Cross-Examination Workshop
The National Criminal Defense College will offer a program in Tucson, Arizona on challenging faulty forensic testimony. Tuition is $795.00. Program dates are January 16-18, 2020 at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law at Address: 1201 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85721. Accommodations (not included in tuition) are offered at the Aloft …
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