Category Archives: fingerprints
Forensics: As expected FP Examiners are all over the map. Examining and expanding the friction ridge value decision.
Is thus really a “science?” More like tea leaves, phrenology or astrology. Some FP folks are really concerned. Examining and expanding the friction ridge value decision – ScienceDirect — Read on http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037907382030270X
Forensics: Convicted by software? Not so fast, says California lawmaker
The statements from the go to cop DNA mixture guru at TrueAllele continues to be self serving and problematic. Ive heard similar claims of accuracy from palm readers on TV. Doesnt seem to bother him much. Democratic Rep. Mark Takano … Continue reading
Forensics: Right to cop fingerprint and DNA matching databases can exonerate the innocent – often DAs object
This article talks about cops refusal and unfair prosecutorial objections to defendants having access to fingerprint search data owned by the police. The cop alternative is for defs to “trust” the police. What a joke. We should also include access … Continue reading
Today’s #Forensic News around the Globe: Crime rate within crime labs increasing
From the archives. Smithsonian talks about the career of a very reclusive founding father of scientific approaches to trace evidence analysis who worked from 1929 to 1954. Some called him “Detective X.” Somehow he determined the ransom notes in the Lindberg kidnapping … Continue reading
Propaganda piece by embattled forensic dentistry group published by CA Dental Association.
An opening statement. To be honest, this ABFO generated material is nothing new. What is typical, along with the personal attacks, is the absence of meaningful point-by-point discussion of scientific (i.e. the 2009 NAS Report) and exoneration case evaluation. It also … Continue reading
The dawn of US forensic science had a few peculiar bedfellows
Taking at look at 1904 to the present regarding science and non-science accepted as such. Includes SBS, phrenology, eugenics, gun powder, bullet lead, ear prints, fiber, bitemark and hair matchers. Law professors Saks and Koehler urge that its “time … Continue reading
John Lentini on underpaid and under ‘scienced’ arson investigators; Bad ballistics and fingerprints in Omaha
From the man who is bringing arson investigations into a science-based method using chemistry, physics, thermodynamics and testing. Unfortunately there are hiccups in finding $ and any police who have a science background. Full article. Omaha prosecutor warns defense attorneys about … Continue reading
Forensic experts take on the NAS concerns about fingerprint examiners’ disagreement.
Fingerprint Examiners Found to Have Very Low Error Rates {By a group of 109 government fingerprint experts Investigations into the reliability of fingerprint matches continues. This news release from a NIJ funded project states a strong position for its reliability … Continue reading
Good forensic science. Bad forensic science. Dangerous forensic science. Plus other stuff.
Today’s New York Times exclusive on the failure of bitemark identification resurging in a MS death penalty case. “Startling gap between “CSI” and certain forensic science.” PBS Nova program. KY: Prosecutor’s office focus of criticism from defendant. ADA lied to judge … Continue reading
Forensic in Focus: From Witch hunts, criminal justice to some not so real forensic science.
Proof that CJ is not “always right.” TN exoneration joins growing number of innocence cases. Bitemarks included. 1 of 25 are innocent. Prosecutorial misconduct in Japan. Japan’s Authoritarian Criminal Justice System. Tells the Facts, Names the Names The American Board … Continue reading