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Category Archives: criminal justice
DNA should not be collected in misdemeanor cases – LA Times
This is an example when legislative intent leaves out common sense in its effects on ‘fighting crime.’ Less than three months ago, California voters adopted Proposition 47, an initiative that reduced six felonies to misdemeanors. By far, most of the affected … Continue reading
The path forward on bite mark matching — and the rearview mirror #AAFS2015
This is the final article of the Washington Post’s Radley Balko’s 4 part series on forensic science reform and the personalities and organizations (legal advocates and forensic groups) involved on both sides of the discussion. The first three articles are … Continue reading
In depth look at a dangerous forensic ‘science’ #AAFS2015
Third of a four part series on the Washington Post with one more on Friday. This coincides with happenings at the 2015 American Academy of Sciences’ “We are Family” themed convention. http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-watch/wp/2015/02/18/attack-of-the-bite-mark-matchers-2
Posted in AAFS, ABFO, Bitemarks, criminal justice, forensic science reform
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An Open Letter on Shaken Baby Syndrome and Courts: A False and Flawed Premise
Originally posted on Wrongful Convictions Blog:
A group of 34 esteemed doctors, medical professionals, and international experts has jointly published a letter regarding the problem of how SBS is currently being prosecuted in the courts. See the Argument & Critique…
Forensics: Costs of forensic expert witnesses in a murder trial with the defendant facing the death penalty.
Costs of forensic expert witnesses in a murder trial with the defendant facing the death penalty. Pathologist = $300/hr. Psychiatrist = $500/hr. “Mitigation specialist” = $100/hr. All have caps on maximum amount allowed. Ballistics: OC Crime Lab Goes 3D – … Continue reading
The personal dangers of protecting the innocent and underprivileged around the world : Similar issues exist in the US.
Civil rights and humanitarian legal advocacy is “The most dangerous job in law.” Prison, exile and worse exists around the world for legal advocates. These stories make the pushback in the US against forensic and judicial reform seem paltry in … Continue reading
Posted in AAFS, costs of wrongful convictions, criminal justice, exoneration, forensic science reform, National FOrensic Science Commission, prosecutorial misconduct, Ray Krone bitemark case, William Richards Exoneration Case
Tagged American Academy of Forensic Science, forensic testimony, Miscarriage of justice, National Commission on Forensic Science, wrongful convictions
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Dramatic story from a new exoneration. Victims’ family reactions vs DNA evidence
Well written exposes about the human experiences within succesful exoneration litigation. Anger, joy, and racial divides with a tinge of prosecutorial misconduct. Victims’ family. Joseph Sledge’s perspective. Interview with Joseph Sledge after his release.
How not to behave in court as an expert witness
This story is about how overly aggressive conclusions of guilt (the province of the jury) in forensic science presentations in criminal can make one look like a biased “forensic expert.” https://www.themarshallproject.org/2014/12/23/powerpoint-justice
Hired to reform crime lab, new director gets slammed by cops
This storyline about pushback by police crime lab overseers is a classic example of retribution in action. http://www.omaha.com/news/metro/douglas-county-crime-lab-director-suspended-lab-work-reviewed/article_7169ae3a-1b81-5d4c-90c1-c4d951e947f8.html
Posted in criminal justice, CSI, forensic science reform
Tagged crime lab retribution
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FORENSICS and LAW in FOCUS @ CSIDDS | News and Trends 