The National Institute of Justice has an online training that includes topics such as Bullet Comparison and Identification, Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination, and Toolmark Identification. The training provides both a general understanding of firearms/firearms evidence and gives a detailed explanation of techniques used by firearm examiners. The program is for criminal justice professionals and …
Resources
Firearms Tutorials
The University of Utah Health Sciences Library has several firearms tutorials posted which cover information about the different types of firearms and how they work, ballistics (the science of the travel or a projectile in flight), patterns of tissue injury, laboratory methods, and examination of gunshot residue. The tutorials provide basic foundational information as well as more …
Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners
An international organization dedicated to the advancement of Firearm and Toolmark Identification. See the Admissibility Resource Kitfor links to opinions, transcripts, motions, briefs and articles supporting and opposing the practice of firearm identifications.
Firearms and Toolmarks Subcommittee
This Scientific Area Committee (part of the OSAC) has taken over the work previously done by the Scientific Working Group For Firearms and Toolmarks (SWGGUN). The SAC will focus on standards and guidelines related to the examination of firearm and toolmark evidence. This includes the comparison of microscopic toolmarks on bullets, cartridge cases, and other …
Forensic Nurse Terminology
Provides definitions for acronyms, abbreviations, and medical terminology related to forensic nursing.
Medical Abbreviations and Definitions
Searches over 200,000 acronyms and abbreviations and provides definitions of thousands of medical terms from Stedman’s Medical Dictionary.
North Carolina Board of Nursing Practice Homepage
Contains links to NC specific policies, procedures, and standards of practice, including information on SANE programs.
International Association of Forensic Nurses
Develops, promotes, and disseminates information internationally about forensic nursing science. Includes information about live and online training opportunities.
Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner – Technical Assistance
Comprehensive website that contains resources related to sexual assault medical forensic examinations including sample forms, training materials, free recorded webinars, and resources for attorneys. National Protocol: Especially for Attorneys and Officers of the Court – provides information about admissibility of medical testimony, including hearsay exceptions and confrontation clause issues. Recent Court Cases – summaries of several cases …
Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner – Technical AssistanceRead More
Multidisciplinary Sexual Assault Glossary
Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) and the Center for Nursing Excellence International (CFNEI) has released a glossary of terms used in sexual assault cases. The glossary will be continuously updated and should aid in ensuring clear communications with experts and jurors.
SBI Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit
This document contains a one-page description of the kit that is used to collect evidence in NC sexual assualt cases followed by a scan of each item, form and instruction sheet contained in the kit. Counsel can use this document to become informed about the types of evidence collected and the correct protocols for collecting, …
Cook County Motion to Exclude Fingerprint Identification
2018 Motion to Exclude testimony about fingerprint “identification” because it is scientifically indefensible, will overstate the probative value of fingerprint evidence and unduly prejudice the Defense, and mislead the trier of fact.
Cook County Motion to Exclude Fingerprint IdentificationRead More
State v. Rudolph
Northern District of Alabama (Daubert jurisdiction) Motion to Exclude Testimony of Forensic Fingerprint Examiner – includes a comprehensive history of what scientific validation has and has not been completed for this field. Critiques the lack of uniform standards. Critiques analysis of small or distorted latent prints. Affidavit of Simon Cole – This expert in the field of …
State v. Zajac
District Court for the District of Utah, Central Division Zajac Order – granted in part and denied in part the Defendant’s motion to exclude fingerprint evidence. Important example of how the language used by the fingerprint examiner can be limited. Memo in Support of Defendant’s Motion to Exclude Fingerprint Evidence
State v. Irick, 291 N.C. 480, 491-492 (1977)
In cases where fingerprint evidence is the only evidence connecting the defendant to the crime, attorneys should consider the Irick rule. State v. Irick, 291 N.C. 480, 491-492 (1977) holds that “[f]ingerprint evidence, standing alone, is sufficient to withstand a motion for nonsuit only if there is ‘substantial evidence of circumstances from which the jury can …