Bitemarks lead the list: NIST speaker reveals…….

Conference: The 5 Problems That Stand Between Scientists and the Courtroom

[excerpt:]

1. Epstein showed the results of a recent survey of odonatologists that asked three questions about the reliability of bite marks. The answers were split on all three questions.

   “They can’t even agree on their own science,” Epstein said. “But bite marks as evidence continue to be used.”

2. Only 5 percent of lawyers have a forensic background, so the lawyers who use forensic analysis results in their arguments and the judges who rule based upon those arguments are often completed disconnected from the actual forensic science.

“It’s a pitiful stat,” Epstein remarked.

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