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 […]
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 […]
What Attorneys Should Know About Significant Digits and Figures
Scientists should acknowledge the limitations of their method and the limitations of the results they are presenting up front and not wait for the defense to develop the concept (if they even know to do so). What should attorneys know about significant digits or figures? It is all about superfluous precision. To a non-technical person, […]
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 […]
Anecdotal Information vs. Scientific Data in the Courtroom
How many times have we heard in Court the following from an expert: Based upon my training, knowledge and experience, (insert alleged expert opinion) It is perhaps the functional equivalent of the famous line in the American Pie movies (and has about the same value-a comedic line with little universal applicability to you and I) […]
The Importance of Proper Credentials in Forensic Science
One of the major problems in the way that forensic science is presented in Courtroom today is the use of the word “expert” and the very low threshold of what passes for one in court. But first I ask you to imagine. Imagine that you go to a doctor’s office having previously given them a […]
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 […]
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