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Category Archives: AAFS
Inside Exoneration litigation in Mississippi – At Times it’s Utter Frustration #ELHoward
In 2016, Texas determined that dental bitemark experts should not be admitted in court. What’s now happening in Mississippi (MS) is a classic legal and forensic science example of continuing that agenda. 1993. A bitemark ID was achieved in MS … Continue reading
Better news from within the American Brd of Forensic Odontology bitemark scandal
This is a short story but its carries an important metaphor about the “forensic science “reform” process rocketing through the media and courtrooms in the US and the UK. A pertinent question I have is “how does the our legal … Continue reading
Forensics: Forensic Pathology study on skin injury patterns shows lack of agreement
Published in the Apr 15 2016 Journal of Forensic Sciences, this paper are the results of a NAME (US medical examiners) online study of human skin injury pattern diagnostic categories ( the basics of “blunt,” “sharp,” and “source” identification) undertaken … Continue reading
Posted in AAFS, CSI, expert testimony
Tagged American Academy of Forensic Science, CSI, forensic pathology, Forensic science
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The American Dental Association needs to act on members still practicing bitemarks
Most of the US bitemark group, the American Board of Forensic Odontology, are also members of the ADA. In fact some of the ABFO are “vaunted” as fighting crime through their “success” in criminal court convictions. Here’s a 2015 link … Continue reading
Forensics: The role of social media as a watchdog on abuse of power and and imperfect science
I have significant experience listening (especially at the last AAFS meeting) and reading snide comments from mostly volunteering participants (commonly defensive) in the “forensic science reform” debate demeaning the “blog” aspect of journalistic reporting. My vocal response at the AAFS … Continue reading
TX and CA: How Prosecutors ignore the effects of junk forensic science on their convictions.
CSI forensics seems to be infallible on TV. Not as much in the real world. Try reading”Bitten by Experts” from Jordan Smith at The Intercept. Its all about the junk. In the same vein, this article gives a closeup on where the … Continue reading
Excellent coverage on Forensic Science Reform battling it out at #AAFS2016
Some were glad, others were sad, and others were mad at this year’s AAFS. A few were defensive. These two veteran investigative reporters for The Intercept, Liliana Segura and Jordan Smith, entered the annual realm of the “crime fighting” American … Continue reading
ABFO/ An AAFS forensic affiliate runs into problems with another bitemark matching case
The American Board of Forensic Odontology just lost its’ a face-off with the Texas Forensic Science Commission. The TFSC recommended a moratorium ( Texas Panel Calls for an End to Criminal IDs via Bitemarks ) on biting evidence after a seven-month investigation … Continue reading
Posted in AAFS, ABFO, Bite Marks, Bitemarks
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BBC on Bitemarks – “An enormous task” to review old cases and convictions and executions
The bitemarkers claim they will assist in the now pending review of all their cases. Lets just say that their days of credibility as “scientific experts” are over. This article talks about the conviction and execution of David Wayne Spence. … Continue reading
The expanding Constitutional Rights of a defendant to expect reliable forensic evidence
The US Constitution may have alot to say about Bill Richard’s right to fair trial, including any forensic evidence. It wasn’t always that way. Here is Virginia law professor Brandon Garrett providing a very complete look at the blend of trending … Continue reading
