National Fire Protection Association 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion InvestigationsRead More
Resources
David L. Faigman et al., Modern Scientific Evidence: Forensics (Student ed.)
Tom Bevel & Ross M. Gardner, Bloodstain Pattern Analysis With an Introduction to Crime Scene Reconstruction (3d ed.)
Brian J. Heard, Firearms and Ballistics: Examining and Interpreting Forensic Evidence (2d ed)
The Potential for Error in Forensic DNA Testing (and How That Complicates the Use of DNA Databases for Criminal Identification
by William C. Thompson, for the Council for Responsible Genetics (2008) – discusses how false incriminations can occur in forensic DNA testing, including coincidental DNA profile matches, accidental transfer of DNA, errors in labeling of samples, and misinterpretation of test results.
Ballistic Imaging
The National Academies Press, 2008. Provides information about the range of acceptable conclusions in this field, as well as the lack of error rate and subjectivity of the comparison techniques.
Computer Forensics for Dummies
by Linda Volonino and Reynaldo Anzaldua – this book provides an excellent introduction to the topic. An overview of the materials is available in an online “cheat sheet.”
Daubert Challenges to Firearms (“Ballistics”) Identifications
Article by Paul Gianelli
Daubert Challenges to Firearms (“Ballistics”) IdentificationsRead More
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Video Collection
Over 500 video clips were made of blood spatter experiments that are typically performed by individuals attending a basic bloodstain pattern analysis course. The videos were made possible through a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) grant and are available to be viewed or downloaded. The principal investigators were Terry Laber, Bart Epstein, and Dr. Michael Taylor.
Mental Illness and the Death Penalty in North Carolina
2007 report by the American Civil Liberties Union on mental illness defenses and how they can be used under North Carolina statutes and case law.
Mental Illness and the Death Penalty in North CarolinaRead More
Drug Dogs – Reliability Issues and Case Law – How Good is that Doggie’s Nose?
Outline of LeAnn Melton’s 2007 Public Defender Conference training addresses case law, discovery requests, and potential areas for cross examination of dog handlers.
Drug Dogs – Reliability Issues and Case Law – How Good is that Doggie’s Nose?Read More
Digital Evidence in the Courtroom: A Guide For Law Enforcement and Prosecutors
This fourth in a series of guides on digital (computer-related) evidence is addressed to law enforcement officers and prosecutors, as it focuses on key issues in the collection, management, preparation, and courtroom presentation of digital evidence.
Digital Evidence in the Courtroom: A Guide For Law Enforcement and ProsecutorsRead More
FBI Lab Scraps Gunfire Residue
by Julie Bykowicz, The Baltimore Sun. 2006 article which discusses a 2001 contamination study and the FBI’s decision to no longer analyze gunshot residue in its investigations.
Detector Dogs and Probable Cause
Richard E. Myers II, 14 Geo. Mason L. Rev. 1 (2006) – argues that an alert by even a well-trained dog with an exceptional track record cannot by itself constitute probable cause to search. Includes a statistical analysis of the value of dog alerts and suggestions for improved use of detector dogs.
Inspector General’s Report on the FBI Mayfield Error
A review of the FBI’s handling of the Brandon Mayfield case (March 2006). The Office of the Inspector General focuses on the causes of the fingerprint misidentification in the Mayfield case and proposes possible solutions to prevent future fingerprint analysis errors. The enormous size of the IAFIS database and the power of the IAFIS program …
Inspector General’s Report on the FBI Mayfield ErrorRead More