Author Archives: csidds

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About csidds

Dr. Michael Bowers is a long time forensic consultant in the US and international court systems.

Forensics: DC crime lab might not fully regain accreditation until early 2022

It could be early 2022 before the embattled D.C. crime lab regains its full accreditation to perform forensic testing, the lab’s interim director told a panel of science advisers last week. — Read on wtop.com/dc/2021/07/dc-crime-lab-might-not-fully-regain-accreditation-until-early-2022/

Posted in AAFS, Crime lab scandal, criminal justice reform, CSI, expert testimony, Forensic crime lab security issues, forensic science misconduct, US Crime labs | Tagged | Leave a comment

Forensics: Native land desecration. Caltech fined for damaging Native American cultural site

One prof says he was trying to get his students graduated on time. ???? Caltech has agreed to pay $25,465 to cover restoration costs after a researcher damaged a protected petroglyph site sacred to Native Americans. — Read on http://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2021-07-19/caltech-fined-for-damaging-native-american-cultural-site

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Forensic examination: Unhappy bitemarkers in OZ. The case for a criminal review commission in Australia

Uneasy about improper use of their discipline, forensics experts call for an appeals body to protect against miscarriages of justice — Read on http://www.theguardian.com/law/2021/jul/18/forensic-examination-the-case-for-a-criminal-review-commission-in-australia

Posted in AAFS, ABFO, Bad Forensic Science, Bite Marks, Bitemarks, criminal justice reform, expert testimony, forensic evidence exaggeration, forensic science reform, junk forensic science | Tagged | Leave a comment

Forensics: Native American children’s remains returned from boarding school

Remains of children from the Rosebud Sioux tribe returned home in emotional ceremonies held in Yankton and Whetstone Landing, about two hours from Iowa. — Read on amp.desmoinesregister.com/amp/8001971002

Posted in AAFS, Forensic Science, human identification, human rights violations, missing persons | Tagged | Leave a comment

Forensics: Racist? Repatriating enslaved human remains. MOVE Bombing Remains Scandal Shows Enduring Racism in Anthropology

The remains of two victims of the MOVE bombing were improperly kept for decades — part of a long history of racism and colonialism in the field of anthropology. — Read on http://www.teenvogue.com/story/move-bombing-remains-anthropology/amp

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Forensics: Military forensic team could help identify Native residential school remains: Canada

The Casualty Identification Program specializes in using forensics along with historical and anthropological research to identify battlefield remains. — Read on globalnews.ca/news/8035204/canadian-forces-identification-team-residential-schools/

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Forensics: DA and police misconduct = Hidden Costs: Liability Judgments for Wrongful Capital Prosecutions Cost Taxpayers in Death-Penalty States Hundreds of Millions of Dollars | Death Penalty Information Center

Now, as the number of murder exonerations mounts across the United States, a previously hidden cost is emerging: the cost of liability for police and… — Read on deathpenaltyinfo.org/news/hidden-costs-liability-judgments-for-wrongful-capital-prosecutions-cost-taxpayers-in-death-penalty-states-hundreds-of-millions-of-dollars

Posted in AAFS, criminal justice, CSI, death penalty, Exoneration costs, forensic science misconduct, prosecutorial misconduct | Leave a comment

Forensics: Leaving trace DNA? All Cops Should Submit DNA Samples to Avoid Crime-Scene Confusion

Researchers hope the review will prod the NYPD to convince its unions to create a database of all officers to avoid possible wrongful arrests and convictions. But will New York cop unions comply? — Read on http://www.thecity.nyc/2021/7/15/22575790/all-cops-should-submit-dna-samples-to-avoid-crime-scene-confusion-federal-report

Posted in AAFS, DNA mixtures, DNA profiling, Forensic Science, police crime labs | Leave a comment

Forensics: Opinion. It’s time to end the trade secret evidentiary privilege among forensic algorithm vendors

The GAO report shines an urgent spotlight on technical issues concerning law enforcement’s use of forensic algorithms. Policymakers should act now to ensure that forensic algorithm vendors do not abuse intellectual property laws to undermine due process values. — Read … Continue reading

Posted in AAFS, fingerprints, Forensic Science, human identification | Leave a comment

Forensics: Low proficiency experts’ juror effects explored. Insights: Juror Appraisals of Forensic Science Evidence – @CSAFE

Insights: Juror Appraisals of Forensic Science Evidence – Center for Statistics and Applications in Forensic Evidence — Read on forensicstats.org/blog/2020/10/10/insights-juror-appraisals-of-forensic-science-evidence/

Posted in AAFS, expert testimony, forensic evidence exaggeration, Forensic Science, Forensic Science Bias, junk forensic science | Leave a comment