2006 DOJ manual sets out standards for the specialized education of sexual assault forensic examiners.
National Training Standards for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic ExaminersRead More
Resources
Determine Whether Your Client Has A Cognitive Disability: A Checklist
In 2005, The Partners in Justice created this checklist of common traits typical of individuals with a cognitive disability and screening questions an attorney can ask if they suspect their client has a cognitive disability.
Determine Whether Your Client Has A Cognitive Disability: A ChecklistRead More
Summary of the FBI Laboratory’s Gunshot Residue Symposium, May 31-June 3, 2005
Article that summarizes the findings of a group of scientists and practitioners who met to address issues with gunshot residue analysis and attempt to create guidelines for this type of analysis. This document references several studies that have been published regarding contamination of subjects and proper collection, testing, and reporting procedures.
Summary of the FBI Laboratory’s Gunshot Residue Symposium, May 31-June 3, 2005Read More
More than Zero: Accounting for Error in Latent Fingerprint Identification
by Simon Cole, Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology, Vol. 95, No. 3, 2005 – Comprehensive review of what is known about the potential error rate of latent print identification. Includes all known cases of fingerprint misattributions. Examines proficiency test data as well as the profession’s and courts’ efforts to minimize or dismiss fingerprint error. …
More than Zero: Accounting for Error in Latent Fingerprint IdentificationRead More
John M. Butler, Forensic DNA Typing: Biology, Technology, and Genetics of STR Markers (2d ed.)
Brandon Mayfield Case
In May 2004, the FBI arrested Oregon lawyer Brandon Mayfield based on an erroneous fingerprint identification. FBI analysts incorrectly identified a fingerprint left inside a plastic bag related to the Madrid train bombing as matching Mr. Mayfield.
Crime Scene Investigation: A Reference for Law Enforcement Training (2004)
U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice. A guide designed to accompany the general crime scene guide. Provides step-by-step procedures for each phase of crime scene investigation. Provides more specific procedures than the general guide does for some topics.
Crime Scene Investigation: A Reference for Law Enforcement Training (2004)Read More
A biomechanical analysis of the causes of traumatic brain injury in infants and children
by W. Goldsmith and J. Plunkett, Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 2004 Jun; 25(2):89-100.
A biomechanical analysis of the causes of traumatic brain injury in infants and childrenRead More
The cutaneous manifestations and common mimickers of physical child abuse
by Shawna S. Mudd and Jeanne S. Findlay, J Pediatr Health Care. (2004). 18,123-129. Contact Sarah Rackley Olson about how to view the full text of this article.
The cutaneous manifestations and common mimickers of physical child abuseRead More
NHTSA Drug and Human Performance Fact Sheets
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers information about the effects of impairing substances. 2004 Fact Sheet 2024 Fact Sheet
Jan Semenoff, Intoxilyzer Breath Alcohol Testing: Professional Edition
Priorities and Strategies for Improving the Investigation, Use of Toxicology Results, and Prosecution of Drug-Impaired Driving Cases
2004 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) publication targeted to prosecutors. The first section details some of the major problems with prosecuting drug impaired driving cases, such as the lack of any clear correlation between blood drug concentrations and impairment for many drugs (p. 8).
Forensic Crime Labs: Scrutinizing Results, Audits and Accreditation
by Frederic Whitehurst, 2004. This 2-part article provides a checklist of items to request in discovery from a forensic lab and explains the significance of each item. NACDL membership is required to access these articles.
Forensic Crime Labs: Scrutinizing Results, Audits and AccreditationRead More
Medical Examiners’ and Coroners’ Handbook on Death Registration and Fetal Death Reporting
Accidental Scald Burns in Sinks
by M. Olivia Titus, Amy L. Baxter, and Suzanne P. Starling in Pediatrics 111(2):e191. (2003). This article evaluates accidental burn injuries similar to those found in inflicted injury and discusses information needed to distinguish the causes.