This is the Phantom of Heilbronn. The Phantom of Heilbronn was thought of as the most prolific murderer who was allegedly responsible for a whole rash of crimes from murder to burglary. Quite a busy person. So, busy that the Phantom was all across Europe doing what the Phantom does, I suppose, which is getting […]
Another example of flat out bad forensic science: Bad DNA results
In prior posts we discussed our forensic science wall of shame. Urine testing ain’t worth piss Government run Crime Labs are never wrong Now, we have to add this one to the ranks… Errors lead to firing of OSBI DNA analyst This article is is so remarkable that it earns its own post. Why? While […]
Pseudoscientists and snake oil salesmen in modern forensic science
Snake oil salesmen The term originally came from the 19th century where unethical and unscrupulous vendors hyped up elixirs and potions that were touted and sold as magic cure-alls. The claims of magic-like restorative properties were hyped up to a frenzied crowd, which bought the elixirs and potions en masse only to later find the […]
The choices we all face in forensic science
One of the most universally recognized sculptures in the world is “David” shown on the left. But do you know the story behind it? Did you know that the famous depiction of David as crafted by the great Michelangelo is a depiction immediately before his battle with Goliath where David is frozen in time at […]
When civil law holds up the organic progression of science
One of my most comforting thoughts comes from the following quote I once heard: Over the long term science is self-correcting Another one that I like is: The free, unhampered exchange of ideas and scientific conclusions is necessary for the sound development of Science, as it is in all spheres of life.’ (Albert Einstein, 1952) […]
Government run Crime Labs are never wrong
It never happens, right? Crime labs cannot be wrong. There is no need to be professionally scientifically skeptical as to the reported test results of a crime lab, right? We should always trust the government because, after all, they’re here to do good, right? Right? WRONG! As my great friend and Minnesota criminal trial attorney […]
Will US Courts Wake Up and Look at Bad Forensic Science?
It was once said that science over the long term is self-correcting. Too bad law isn’t. But there is hope. There is at least one jurist who cares. US District Court Judge Nancy Gertner has issued a standing order for all prosecutors and defenders who come before her. She has ordered that they not assume […]
A Quick Summary of The National Academy of Sciences Report
“Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward” was the end product of three (3) years of research and testimony taken by the Committee on Identifying the Needs of the Forensic Sciences Community and the Committee on Applied and Theoretical Statistics of the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences. To […]
Senate Judiciary Committee-Draft Outline of Forensic Science Reform Legislation
It appears as if someone is listening in Congress. On May 5, 2010, the Senate Judiciary Committee released a “Draft Outline of Forensic Reform Legislation.” In my opinion: It is a good start, but with a target as big as a barn as identified painstakingly by the NAS report, the Senate Judiciary Committee seems to […]
The prosecution is the enemy of good science
The criminal defense attorney is truly not the enemy of forensic science, the prosecution is. That is a pretty bold statement, but it is true. The way that prosecutor’s present forensic science in the Courtroom is the biggest hindrance to the truth. I took the time to go out and attend the 62nd annual conference […]
The McShane Firm | DUI Lawyers
Pennsylvania DUI Blog