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Author Archives: csidds
Forensics: A Trail of Tears. How the Junk Science of Hair Analysis Keeps People Behind Bars – Mother Jones
Each of these cases takes years to litigate and $ defendants don’t possess. The technique, developed before DNA testing, can’t definitively tie suspects to crime scenes. Try explaining that to juries — or some judges. — Read on http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2023/12/how-the-junk-science-of-hair-analysis-keeps-people-behind-bars/
Posted in AAFS, ABFO, Bad Forensic Science, Bite Marks, Bitemarks, costs of wrongful convictions, Crime lab scandal, exoneration, Exoneration costs, forensic evidence exaggeration, forensic science misconduct, forensic testimony, human rights violations, junk forensic science, prosecutorial misconduct, wrongful convictions
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Forensics: Expert in ancient DNA and wildlife forensics helps identify Oct. 7 massacre victims | The Times of Israel
Hebrew University Prof. Gila Kahila Bar-Gal uses her knowledge of difficult DNA extraction and physical anthropology as she volunteers at Abu Kabir — Read on http://www.timesofisrael.com/expert-in-ancient-dna-and-wildlife-forensics-helps-identify-oct-7-massacre-victims/
Posted in AAFS, DNA profiling, Forensic Science, human identification
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Forensics: DNA extraction produces STR markers. The evidential value of dental calculus in the identification process | Scientific Reports
DNA analysis-based identification is by far the gold standard in forensic genetics and it should be performed in every case involving human remains or unidentified bodies. Bones and teeth are the preferred source of human DNA for genetic analysis. However, … Continue reading
Forensics: Getting rid of bitemark believers. Updated Evidence Rule Warns Judges Against Junk Science
Changes to a new federal rule of evidence will go into effect on Friday, reminding judges that they should be extra vigilant about not allowing “junk science” from expert witnesses to reach juries. — Read on news.bloomberglaw.com/employee-benefits/updated-evidence-rule-warns-judges-against-junk-science
Forensics: 44 exoneration cases involving bitemark opinions had a 77% error rate. The Impact of False or Misleading Forensic Evidence on Wrongful Convictions | National Institute of Justice
Wrongful conviction, or the conviction of a person for a crime that they did not commit, is one of the greatest travesties of the criminal justice system. As of 2023, The National Registry of Exonerations has recorded over 3,000 cases … Continue reading
Forensics: Unfair Ballistics examiners wrongly describe some results, Iowa State profs say
When ballistics experts say a match between 2 bullet casings is ‘inconclusive,’ it nearly always means a non-match, a result that could help defendants — Read on http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/crime-and-courts/2023/11/27/forensic-ballistics-examiners-results-questioned-in-isu-research-iowa-state-evidence-crime-scene/71584697007/
Forensics: Stolen genetics. 23andMe data theft prompts DNA testing companies to switch on 2FA by default
The move to improve user account security comes after a hacker claimed the theft of millions of 23andMe user records data. — Read on techcrunch.com/2023/11/07/23andme-ancestry-myheritage-two-factor-by-default/
Forensics: Right to ‘bodily autonomy’ upheld. ‘Disproven and unsupportable’: Kansas judge blocks junk science abortion restrictions – Kansas Reflector
A Kansas judge blocked several long-standing and newly-implemented abortion restrictions in the state on Monday. — Read on kansasreflector.com/2023/10/30/disproven-and-unsupportable-kansas-judge-blocks-junk-science-abortion-restrictions/
Forensics: NamUs Missing Persons cases. 600K reports a year.
Posted in AAFS, human identification, missing persons
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Forensics: Do this for bitemarks please. Colorado may soon bar police and coroners from referencing “excited delirium” in lethal force cases
The now-debunked diagnosis has been widely used by police and paramedics to justify the use of force — even lethal force — in cases where they say suspects exhibit superhuman strength and extreme agitation. — Read on http://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/colorado-may-soon-bar-police-coroners-referencing-excited-delirium-lethal-force-cases/
FORENSICS and LAW in FOCUS @ CSIDDS | News and Trends 