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You are here: Home / Resources / Course: Exploiting Forensic Evidence’s Tenuous Link to Science

Course: Exploiting Forensic Evidence’s Tenuous Link to Science

Training Date: October 18, 2021
NOTE: This training is now over.
View Training Details

October 18 – December 17, 2021
Price $275

REGISTRATION DEADLINE – October 15 at NOON

Apply for Scholarship Here – Deadline October 4th

The Weekly 90 minute Small Group meeting will be on
Thursdays at 3 pm Eastern / Noon Pacific. No class meeting on 11/25/21.

Time expectations for this course per week are

  •    Watching course videos, doing readings and assignments – 1-2 hours
  •    Weekly live instruction and small groups  –  1.5 hours

Learn more about NAPD Online Academy Courses – 10 min video
Watch the Introduction to this Course – 7 min video

Forensic “science” often plays a key role in criminal prosecutions. Because of the “CSI Effect” prosecutors seek out the forensic evidence jurors expect to hear. But how much science is really behind the disciplines that were developed in crime labs and not in universities or medical institutions?

To appreciate the limits and weaknesses of forensic evidence we must understand the role of empirical testing and peer review in establishing the scientific validity of a particular method or technique.

In the first part of this course, using firearms comparison as the example, we will explore the building blocks of the scientific method:
• Empirical testing – what counts as testing and what doesn’t?
• Study design – what works and what doesn’t.
• Data interpretation – what’s cheating and what isn’t.
• Measurement uncertainty – nothing is certain.
• Error rates – if they get it wrong 1 in 20 tries shouldn’t the jury know that?
• Internal validation, proficiency testing and cognitive bias – is your lab doing it right?
*Develop an approach to use when interviewing an examiner

In the second part of the course we will use this knowledge to improve your challenges to the admissibility of forensic evidence. Focusing on the admissibility standard in your jurisdiction we will:
• Articulate how foundational validity and validity as applied relate to your admissibility standard.
• Develop strategic motions.
• Prepare the introduction to a motion to exclude or limit
• Learn to respond to common prosecution arguments.

Click here to see the course details and agenda.

Jennifer Friedman

Jennifer Friedman is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She was a Deputy Public Defender in Los Angeles County for 33 years and served as the Forensic Science Coordinator for the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. She is currently a member of Federal Defender Capital Habeas Unit for the Central District of Los Angeles. Her practice has focused on litigating forensic science and expert issues. She has tried over 150 felony jury trials many of which were sexual assaults and homicides involving complex scientific issues. She writes the expert section of the California Death Penalty Manual. She is a frequent lecturer on the death penalty, challenging forensic evidence and the use of experts in the courts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2021

Resource Category: Trainings

Resource Category: TrainingsResource Source: NAPDForensic Discipline: Foundations of Forensics

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The Forensic Resource Counsel provides assistance to North Carolina attorneys litigating scientific evidence issues.
Information provided on this website is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
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