The Forensic Microbiome: The Invisible Traces We Leave BehindRead More
Resources
Accuracy and Reproducibility of Conclusions by Forensic Bloodstain Pattern Analysts
R. Austin Hicklin, Kevin R. Winer, Paul E. Kish, Connie L. Parks, William Chapman, Kensley Dunagan, Nicole Richetelli, Eric G. Epstein, Madeline A. Ausdemore, Thomas A. Busey,. Forensic Science International, 2021. Highlights: Conclusions by bloodstain pattern analysts were often erroneous and often contradicted other analysts On samples with known causes, 11.2% of responses were erroneous …
Accuracy and Reproducibility of Conclusions by Forensic Bloodstain Pattern AnalystsRead More
AI Case Study: Probabilistic Genotyping DNA Tools in Canadian Criminal Courts
A report of the Law Commission of Ontario which considers the role and impact of AI-driven probabilistic genotyping technology to generate evidence used in the criminal justice system. The report makes a number of recommendations based on concerns that PG DNA evidence may lead to wrongful convictions if not properly regulated.
AI Case Study: Probabilistic Genotyping DNA Tools in Canadian Criminal CourtsRead More
NIBIN Toolkit for Prosecutors
Explains how the NIBIN database works to search for possible connections between bullets or casings fired a separate crime scenes. Explains that every NIBIN lead must be verified by a firearms examiner. The NIBIN technician report of a lead is not sufficient reliable and should not be the basis of testimony. Advises prosecutors not to …
State v. Walton, _ N.C. App. _ (April 20, 2021)
A sniffing canine can be found to be property trained despite the canine having an expired certification at the time of the the sniff, so long as the canine has a history of certification and at least one other unexpired certification. Additionally, the handler’s training being inconsistent with department standards is not by itself insufficient …
State v. Jackson, _ N.C. App. _ (April 20, 2021)
Evidence that cocaine was the identity of the substance was admissible not withstanding the substance being handled with bare hands and stored in a glove box where cocaine had previously been stored. The court found concerns over cross contamination went to the evidence’s weight, not matters of admissibility and authentication.
State v. Carver, 277 N.C. App. 89 (2021)
Defendant successfully appealed a murder conviction on a motion for appropriate relief by showing, with expert testimony, that SBI policies for interpreting mixture DNA evidence at the time were outdated and inaccurate based on current accepted practices. A new trial was awarded.
Autopsy of a Crime Lab: Exposing the Flaws in Forensics
Register here. The Quattrone Center invites you attend a talk with author Brandon Garrett on his new book “Autopsy of a Crime Lab: Exposing the Flaws in Forensics.” This book exposes the imperfect forensic evidence that we rely on for criminal convictions. He will be joined by Dr. Itiel Dror, University College London and Maneka …
Autopsy of a Crime Lab: Exposing the Flaws in ForensicsRead More
Field Sobriety Tests and THC Levels Unreliable Indicators of Marijuana Intoxication
Researchers investigated how marijuana affects skills required for safe driving and found that biofluid levels of THC did not correlate with field sobriety test performance or marijuana intoxication, regardless of how the cannabis was ingested.
Field Sobriety Tests and THC Levels Unreliable Indicators of Marijuana IntoxicationRead More
Drug Analysis Webinar: Methodology Used for Presumptive Tests and Common Errors Observed
Live webinar presented by Ed Brown, Ph.D.
Drug Analysis Webinar: Methodology Used for Presumptive Tests and Common Errors ObservedRead More
Safe, Efficient, Reliable: New Science in the Fight Against Killer Drugs
NIST article about testing of drugs that may contain fentanyl or other dangerous synthetic opioids. The article contains video clips showing how powder substances can contaminate various surfaces in laboratories and addresses ways that labs work to eliminate contamination.
Safe, Efficient, Reliable: New Science in the Fight Against Killer DrugsRead More
Biological Evidence in the Courtroom: Mandatory Judicial Inquiry
Mar. 23, 2021 SOG blog post by Jacquelyn Greene about requirements for preservation and disposal of biological evidence
Biological Evidence in the Courtroom: Mandatory Judicial InquiryRead More
What records are available in a death investigation case blog post
Forensic Resources blog post regarding OCME discovery by Sarah Olson and Dr. Christena Roberts. Describes the items provided through a routine discovery request and additional items from the Medical Examiner file that can be obtained through a subpoena or court order. Drafted in Jan. 2020.
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The Science of Implicit Bias: Implications for Law and Policy
On March 22-23, 2021, the National Academies of Science will offer a free-to-attend virtual workshop that will explore the scientific basis of implicit bias, its prevalence and impact, and implications for policy and law. The workshop has been organized by an ad hoc planning committee co-chaired by Dr. Camara Jones (Morehouse School of Medicine) and …
The Science of Implicit Bias: Implications for Law and PolicyRead More
2021 Forensic Science Summit for the Criminal Defense Bar
March 23-25, 20219:00-1:30 pm via Zoom$50 for private attorneys; $25 for Public Defenders The NJ Public Defender, the Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of NJ, and the NJ Institute of Technology are offering a 3-day seminar on forensic science evidence.
2021 Forensic Science Summit for the Criminal Defense BarRead More