A SCL analyst testified to the results of another analyst’s testing. However, he personally reviewed the data and offered his own opinion, which the court held did not violate the Confrontation Clause.
Resources
Bridging the Gap V: Mitigation
Friday, Nov. 6, 2020 and Friday, Nov. 13, 2020Sponsored by NC Indigent Defense Services and the Office of the Capital Defender12.50 hours of general CLE credit anticipated This training is available to current capital roster attorneys, criminal defense investigators, mitigation specialists, and other authorized experts. Registration deadline is Oct. 30, 2020. The full program agenda …
Microbial Communities on Skin Leave Unique Traces at Crime Scenes
Two related NIJ-supported studies evaluated the possibility of using an individual’s skin microbiome — a community of microorganisms that inhabit a specific environment — as a form of trace evidence from evidence found at a crime scene. The first study, led by Dr. Rob Knight of the University of California, San Diego, examined whether the …
Microbial Communities on Skin Leave Unique Traces at Crime ScenesRead More
Toner Particles as Forensic Evidence
The Journal of Forensic Sciences is now offering an early viewing of a new article by Microtrace scientists. This article is co-authored by Katie White and Christopher Palenik. This article explores the potential usefulness of subvisible toner cartridge particles as evidence in forensic investigations. Modern printing toners represent a prime example of subvisible particles that can be …
Fire Research: Identifying Ignitable Liquids in Debris and Providing Error Rates to Strengthen Testimony
With funding from the NIJ, Dr. Michael Sigman and Mary Williams from University of Central Florida developed a method for analyzing fire debris samples that are highly contaminated with pyrolysis interferences. This technique provides an alternative objective method for classifying ignitable liquid residues, which is one of the only viable options for helping to progress …
Rapid and Effective Identification of Organic and Inorganic Gunshot Residues
Speakers: Dr. Tatiana Trejos, Dr. Luis Arroyo, and Dr. Suzanne Bell.
Offered By: FTCOE.
Achieved Video Available.
Rapid and Effective Identification of Organic and Inorganic Gunshot ResiduesRead More
Fingerprint Error Rate on Close Non-Matches
Sept. 2020 research by Jonathan J. Koehler and Siquan Liu on the accuracy of distinguishing between two close non-matches. False positive error rates were 15.9% and 28.1% on the two close non-matches on mandatory proficiency tests that were studied. As the size of fingerprint databases grow, the risk of a close non-match being present in …
Forensic Toxicology: Methods Used and Common Errors in Screening and Confirmatory Tests
Free webinar offered by NCIDS
Forensic Toxicology: Methods Used and Common Errors in Screening and Confirmatory TestsRead More
A Model for Confronting Fire Investigation Errors
Fall 2020 law review article by John Lentini addressing how to defend someone accused of arson.
Webinar – How to Prepare for a Fire Expert Deposition and Litigation
This webinar is being offered by the National Association of Public Defense on Oct. 6, 2020. Proper litigation that involves a fire case usually includes a fire origin and cause expert. There are standards and guidelines that the fire expert is expected to follow. This includes, but not limited to proper investigation, documentation, report writing …
Webinar – How to Prepare for a Fire Expert Deposition and LitigationRead More
Making Use of What’s Not Visible in Trace Evidence Examinations
Nanoparticles and other subvisible particles potentially present in nearly all trace evidence are often overlooked in forensic investigations. NIJ-supported researchers have characterized several types of particles and developed detection methods.
Making Use of What’s Not Visible in Trace Evidence ExaminationsRead More
Pills & Particles – Toxicology and Linking Trace Evidence
Speakers: David Moody, Barry Lavine, and David Stoney.
Offered By: FTCOE.
Achieved Videos Avaialble.
Pills & Particles – Toxicology and Linking Trace EvidenceRead More
Rapid and Effective Identification of Organic and Inorganic Gunshot Residues
Speakers: Dr. Tatiana Trejos, Dr. Luis Arroyo, and Dr. Suzanne Bell.
Offered By: FTCOE
Achieved Video Available.
Rapid and Effective Identification of Organic and Inorganic Gunshot ResiduesRead More
Cosmetic Trace Evidence
A tissue containing a faint stain was submitted to determine if evidence of a make-up stain was present. Although the tissue had been previously analyzed by another laboratory (to no avail) and only a single, barely stained area of the tissue remained, Microtrace, LLC was able to use light and electron microscopy to characterize the …
(Mis)use of scientific measurements in forensic science
Article by Itiel Dror and Nicholas Scurich on the insufficient attention or weight that has been given to inconclusive evidence and inconclusive decisions in forensic science error rate studies.
(Mis)use of scientific measurements in forensic scienceRead More