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 […]
The use of “loaded” language in the Courtroom and in forensic science
Just two days ago we examined the use of the word “match” and how it is a fungible concept and its use is devoid of any sort of scientific merit. So this makes for a obvious question, what other language is used in the courtroom that evokes the same idea of expressing a matter beyond […]
What constitutes a “match” in forensic science?
The concept of a match at first look blush seems rather elemental. However, if we really were to think of it, the concept is indeed fungible. In forensic science, there is no universally held definition across all disciplines or even within a disciple as to what constitutes sufficient similarity to evoke that coveted and magic […]
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 Locard Exchange Principle in Forensic Science: The real iTouch
“Every contact leaves a trace” is how the Locard Exchange Principle which is really a hypothesis is summarized. It has been written as follows: Wherever he steps, whatever he touches, whatever he leaves, even unconsciously, will serve as a silent witness against him. Not only his fingerprints or his footprints, but his hair, the fibers […]
Physical evidence is often the most important evidence
In the world of criminal law truth is the gold standard. Who doesn’t want a truthful verdict? Admittedly, absolute truth is often illusive. But how can jurors and judges who were not at a scene, were not eyewitnesses themselves to the event and do not know the credibility or the accuracy of the witnesses called […]
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 […]
Definition of Forensic Science Terms
Perhaps the best place to start at the beginning. Let’s start with some basic definitions of terms. The must basic place to start is a discussion of the scientific method. Not so obvious to some, but it is a method. It is the best method known to man to logically seek to prove or disprove […]
The Importance of Truth in Forensic Science
Everyone has a blog it seems. Why add a new to the ever increasingly cluttered landscape of the internet. In other words: “Why will this blog matter to you?” The reason I started this blog was simple. Spreading the good word of good forensic science and spreading the word of “bad” forensic science.
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