Category Archives: Uncategorized

These Are the Wrongful Conviction Cases That Haunt Me

Originally posted on Wrongful Convictions Blog:
I’ve been doing “innocence work” for seven years now.  So …. just what is it that I do? I am Science & Technology Advisor to the Ohio Innocence Project at the University of Cincinnati…

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Devastating effects of more forensic double talk : From a state-licensed, court qualified expert : Conflicting opinions

This case is despicable regarding conflicts of interest involved in forensics. Please read. Thanks to John Lentini for the link. http://www.12news.com/story/news/investigative/2015/05/12/barbara-sload-phoenix-fd-arson-investigation/27208363/

Posted in Bad Forensic Science, Forensic Science, forensic science misconduct, forensic testimony, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

What makes for wrong convictions? Data for believers of “near perfect” forensics in US courts

Originally posted on FORENSICS and LAW in FOCUS @ CSIDDS | News and Trends:
? Updated graphs of investigation and prosecution contribution factors  in nearly 1600 exonerations proved by the National Registry of Exonerations.  (wait a bit for download, scroll down for other…

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What makes for wrong convictions? Data for believers of “near perfect” forensics in US courts

  Updated graphs of investigation and prosecution contribution factors  in nearly 1600 exonerations proved by the National Registry of Exonerations.  (wait a bit for download, scroll down for other stats). Look for GREEN: False or Misleading Forensic Evidence 23% 363/1597 Look … Continue reading

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I contend…

Originally posted on Eye of the beholder:
The use of information is power.  When asked (by Robert Toale, a lawyer who represented Abadie and Van Winkle), about his ‘margin of error’ in bitemark analysis, Michael West said, “Something less than my…

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Monday’s Quick Clicks…

Originally posted on Wrongful Convictions Blog:
Texas House passes wrongful conviction commission bill In Nebraska, bill to compensate the Beatrice 6 advances forward In Michigan, bill to compensate exonerees introduced once again Details about 2015 symposium on Forensics and Human…

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Five commandments of “How to Reform Forensics” science and dumping the junk

By Radley Balko May 5 at 3:24 PM THE WATCH My favorite story of forensics malfeasance emerged from the North Carolina state crime lab a few years ago. I wrote about it at the time: The relationships between SBI crime lab … Continue reading

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Another forensic disaster : secret forensic “science”experts allowed to coerce crime suspects into plea deals.

Originally posted on FORENSICS and LAW in FOCUS @ CSIDDS | News and Trends:
? I am rarely shocked about nefarious dealings or subterfuge in the ecosystem of forensic ‘science’ and the criminal justice arena. But I just read that a police department…

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Pediatricians suggest bitemarks only be used to establish whether adult, other child or animal cause of skin injuries

This piece, “AAP: Peds Serve as Primary Prevention for Child Abuse.”  comes from MedPage, a  respected online health resource, which is now briefing general physicians about the proper diagnosis of child abuse. They have just published a new report (updated from 2007) from the … Continue reading

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FORENSIC SCIENCE CONTINUES TO GET HAMMERED IN THE MEDIA : Now its DNA in DC

I have been following this for a while. Things seems very unsettled at the new (2012) independent crime lab in the District of Columbia. After another audit, DNA lab work at DC crime lab is now suspended for 30 days … Continue reading

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