Firearms
DC judge orders forensic lab to turn over some documents sought by prosecutors
DC forensic lab under scrutiny after evidence errors discovered in murder cases
State v. Turner, 849 S.E.2d 327 (2020)
A SCL analyst performed an experiment measuring the direction and distance that shell casings traveled when a gun was fired at various angles and testified to the results, offering opinions about location of the shooter. On appeal, counsel argued that the tests were not “substantially similar.” The COA held that Rule 702 governs admission of …
Bronx judge challenges microscopic evidence used to match bullets to guns; NYPD insists methods are ‘reliable’
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
Mock Jurors’ Evaluation of Firearm Examiner Testimony
Garrett, B.L, Scurich, N, & Crozier, W.E. (2020)
Mock Jurors’ Evaluation of Firearm Examiner TestimonyRead More