Category Archives: expert testimony

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

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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

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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

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Slap Shot At Over Blown Forensic Experts

Forensic Science Is Not CSI, in Ferguson or Anywhere Else – HuffPost Politics http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/6356740?utm_hp_ref=politics&ir=Politics&partner=skygrid

Posted in Brown shooting evidence, criminal justice, expert testimony, Forensic Science, forensic testimony | Tagged | 1 Comment

Judge tosses out two types of DNA evidence used regularly in criminal cases

Judge tosses out two types of DNA evidence used regularly in criminal cases – Forensics in Focus EXCLUSIVE: Justice Mark Dwyer has ditched the results of low copy number DNA testing and Forensic Statistical Tool from the cases of Andrew … Continue reading

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#Forensics When experts retaliate against scientific critics

This is just one very public example of desperate folks who dislike hearing colleagues legitimate opinions on forensic reform. Other examples are more sneaky. http://www.theagitator.com/2011/12/27/bite-mark-news/

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#Forensic #Science #Commission Pushbacks against Junk Forensic Experts

Progress is being  made towards Forensic Science Reform.  It has taken 5 years to get coordinated (but preliminary) recommendations  from organized forensic practitioners since the 2009 NAS Report on “Strengthening Forensics Sciences.” The NAS slammed a fistful of long accepted forensic … Continue reading

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Forensics : Prosecutorial misconduct, exonerations and the Politics of Criminal Justice

From the Wrongful Convictions blog: “Prosecutorial arrogance and tunnel vision” plus more CJ and its politics http://wp.me/p2224n-4NX  via @WrongConvBlog   Not another one! But the best version I’ve read about this serial case from the 1880’s. “Forensic Scientist Claims To … Continue reading

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It’s “Proper” Forensic Sci Week, FBI celebrates Dahmer case, and more

The article is here.  Forensics | Gov. Pence Issues Proclamation Declaring “Proper” Forensic Science week. That is an interesting disclaimer. I guess its not “Improper” forensic science week. Uhm, there must be a story behind who writes for the governor … Continue reading

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How NOT to do a forensic interview. From 2004.

Sometimes being interviewed can result in unexpected consequences. Try one of my best, from 2004. The Q and A format is trite but provided me with some opportunities.  ========================================================== “Dr. Bowers has an amazingly good sense of humor. We requested … Continue reading

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