Tag Archives: American Academy of Forensic Science

Forensics: Decomp rate of microbial system in dead bodies considered marker for TOD

Dead bodies are the topic today. Researchers from UC of San Diego are talking about Time of Death determinations using bacteria. Considering the encironmental and physical factors that influence decomposition rathers, this research still has a longgg way to go. … Continue reading

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Forensic expert muses on his certitude that possible death penalty outcome is not relevant

This is the landscape of  NGRI the defense (not guilty by reason of insanity or incompetent to be executed). Or lack thereof. If nothing else, this open declaration by a forensic expert reveals a rationale of the “greater good” somehow … Continue reading

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Forensics: Belfast Detective faked sexual assault tests to reduce caseload

“Working in the Metropolitan Police’s Sapphire sex crimes unit, he failed to send evidence including swabs and a condom for forensic and toxicological tests before recording “negative” results in the crime reporting information system (Cris).” http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/jail-for-detective-who-faked-results-of-forensic-tests-in-sex-crime-inquiries-34276502.html

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Forensics: Freddie Gray death trial brings out all sorts of theories of what, where, and how

The opposing attorneys do battle with expert wits in a way that really highlights the entire legal adversary process in the US CJ system. The degree of physical impairment from the cervical injury is well described. The timeline of where … Continue reading

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When a forensic pathologist testifies for the defense, the testimony is always “controversial”

  This is about the Freddie Gray related trial of police officers in Baltimore. Dr. Vincent Di Maio, a forensic pathologist and former chief medical examiner in San Antonio, said Gray’s injury was “so violent, it’s so high-energy” that it … Continue reading

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Forensics: Arrests, Confessions and Convictions before substantive drug tests are finished.

  The scenario: A “rush to justice” with considerable “war on drugs” overcharging of simple possession penalties leads to coerced plea bargains occurring months before definitive forensic testing is completed. http://www.takepart.com/feature/2015/11/20/houston-drug-war-exonerations?utm_source=Legal+Aid+DNA+Newsletter&utm_campaign=c1945f2fd3-DNA_Newsletter_144_28_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_332a53a218-c1945f2fd3-80240109&ct=t(DNA_Newsletter_144_28_2015)

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Forensic Fraud: 4 lab pathologists under suspicion of DNA testing fraud in Mumbai

Noteworthy news about lab docs following the lure of getting paid from outside vendors for allowing them to cook-book medical DNA results. It is not limited to India by any means. http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-maharashtra-medical-council-files-chargesheet-against-4-pathologists-2152792  

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Forensics: Candid discussion on PTSD from noted Scot forensic expert

Professor Sue Black’s comments are short but extremely relevant. She should be commended for speaking of her personal experience. I suggest that forensic training courses and academic programs should recognize the subject of forensic-related PTSD prevention and treatment in their … Continue reading

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Forensics: White House Science and Technology opinion on Bitemark Identification

Here is the keynote speaker ( Jo Handlesman Ph.D) at a 2015 NIJ conference on forensic science speaking about the unenviable position bitemarkers have attained by showing no reliability in their opinions and being individually inconsistent in their courtroom testimony. … Continue reading

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Forensics: Itel Dror is a pioneer in “cognitvie bias” effects on CSI and courtroom testimony

Image from a prosecution’s bitemark expert. All it shows are common dental features. Overstated forensic science opinions can lead suspects into false confession. This Irish Times article gives this an overview and covers Itiel Dror’s decades long work examining how prosecutorial … Continue reading

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