The American Chemical Society’s Chemistry and the Law Division and its Forensic Science Co-Chairmen, Justin McShane, Esq. of Harrisburg, PA and Josh D. Lee, Esq. of Vinita, OK, are proud to announce a full-day presentation on the work of the Innocence Project.
Forensic Science can play a tragic role in the convicting and wrongful imprisonment of factually innocent people. As of the date of this announcement (March 20, 2012), There have been 289 post-conviction DNA exonerations in United States history. This presentation will tell the first hand story of innocence and the causes and effects of faulty forensic science used in today’s courtrooms.
Download the flyer for the seminar.
The Speakers:
Professor Scheck is a Professor of Law at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law Yeshiva University and is Co-Founder of the Innocence Project. Professor Scheck is known for his landmark litigation setting standards for forensic applications of DNA technology. He will discuss the work of the Innocence Project.
Dr. Whitehurst is a former Supervisory Special Agent in the FBI crime lab. He discovered, investigated and reported scientific misconduct in the FBI crime lab. His whistle blowing forced the FBI to agree to forty major reforms, including undergoing accreditation process. He will discuss his discoveries, the continued struggle for valid forensic science in the courtroom, and his choice to do the right thing.
Dr. Hampikian is a professor at Boise State University, director of the Idaho Innocence Project, and world famous geneticist. He will be discussing his work in the exoneration of Amanda Knox in Italy, his work on the Troy Davis death penalty case out of Georgia, and the other numerous exonerations he has been involved with or consulted on.
Mr. Lentini has conducted more than 2,000 fire scene investigations and works as an expert witness. He will speak on the standard of care in fire investigation and lab analysis of fire debris as well as speak about his work on specific cases including the case of Cameron Todd Willingham in Texas. The evidence from the Willingham case indicates that the State of Texas likely executed an innocent man.
Marissa Boyers Bluestine, Esquire Attorney Bluestine is the Legal Director of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project. The PIP investigates and litigates innocence cases involving both DNA and non-DNA evidence. She will be speaking about her involvement with the PIP and what it takes to run a statewide program.
The Exonerees:
Who better to tell the story of the Innocence Project than 3 of the nearly 300 people who have been exonerated after being wrongfully convicted and wrongfully imprisoned?
Sentenced to death and spent 10 years in prison on death row for a murder that he did not commit.
Wrongfully accused in the Central Park Jogger case of 1989. Spent 5 years in prison for crimes he did not commit.
Sentenced to 25-Life and spent 19 1/2 years in prison for crimes that he did not commit.
This special event will take place on Monday, August 20, 2012 at the 244th ACS National Meeting in Philadelphia, PA. This is a one of a kind event that is sure to be entertaining, touching, and inspiring for anyone interested in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Politics, Civics, and Government.
This presentation is being sponsored by The McShane Firm, LLC of Harrisburg, PA
The McShane Firm | DUI Lawyers
Pennsylvania DUI Blog
Ashley Gast says:
Can anyone attend this event or do you have to be invited?
Justin J. McShane says:
It is part of the ACS National Exhibition. Therefore, if you are registered for the conference, then you can attend it. You don’t have to be a scientist to attend. It is going to be a great program.