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Author Archives: csidds
Fingerprint documentation of findings seems alot better than the bitemarkers
Using digital record keeping of the fingerprint characters observed during a comparison certainly exceeds what the bitemarkers have in their “guidelines.” Most case law allowing bitemarks into courts have the dentists declaring that bitemarks are like fingerprints. Usually all they … Continue reading
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Tagged digital forensics, forensic examiner error, Forensic science
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Look at the ‘Individualization Fallacy in Forensic Science Evidence’ -The Classic Article
This should be required reading in forensic courses and law schools. Even if the @NDAAJustice DAs lack the academic capacity to understand some of it, they should read it too. In 22 pages, it provides a contemporary forensic history lesson, … Continue reading
A “discrepant” view on flawed forensics leading to later exonerations – bitemarks at al.
A mighty effort by someone connected to the National Institute of Justice to blend ‘forward thinking’ about science and better crime lab management improving the reliability of criminal convictions. The author uses a blend of data that minimizes how many … Continue reading
Making sure non data-driven forensics gets a pass in the courtroom – “I’m an examiner”
This is from a well positioned advocate of “source of the evidence” determinations being based on “expertise.” The writer has an affinity for bitemark analysis as well and worries about the DAs losing their advantage of using soft ‘police science’ … Continue reading
Forensics: Scientific American goes after (again) Trump/Sessions dumping NCFS Commission
This iconic publisher of all things related to science has consistently reflected the need for advances in forensic reliability and “gap” analysis to reduce errors. SA has republished this piece previously titled “Forensic Science Must Be Scientific.” Wrongful convictions … Continue reading
The failure of Forensic Evidence standards: Daubert flaws allowing junk science in courts
“This article examines the justice system’s failure by reviewing the status of six forensic techniques: (1) bite mark analysis, (2) microscopic hair comparisons, (3) firearms and toolmark identifications, (4) fingerprint examinations, (5) bullet lead analysis, and (6) arson evidence. It … Continue reading
“When you mix police work and science, they don’t always speak the same language,”
Nothing but the facts in this one. Other than to remind you all that the Feds want to monitor their own forensic science commission. “In fact, the auditing agencies designated to watch the lab in the past missed the warning … Continue reading
Forensics Video: The Big Problems with Testing Tiny Bits of DNA
From ProPublica: “ProPublica senior reporting fellow Lauren Kirchner explains the controversy over some DNA testing methods developed by the NYC crime lab” Subscribe to the DNA Newsletter for the latest on forensic news
Cop and coroner run amok at death scene? Or is it retribution for whistleblowing?
Nasty. Sex and drugs. Or, on the other hand, it’s false and really is retribution for calling out elected coroner misconduct or mismangement. “Allegations about the Monroe County coroner’s office were laid out in recent court filings: Sex between a … Continue reading
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Tagged coroners system in the US, death investigation misconduct
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AAAS, a very broad science group, looks at arson investigators and their assumptions
Prosecutors ( @NDAAJustice) will attack this report as “not relevant” due to this “scientific community” not being law enforcement employed fire investigators. Most of arson field investigators only need a high school diploma as a pre-requisite. “This investigative technique, while … Continue reading
FORENSICS and LAW in FOCUS @ CSIDDS | News and Trends 