Tag Archives: Forensic science

DNA tech’s reference semen DNA or sloughed skin shows up in 2014 super sensitive profile of 1984 murder case

Police used a lie detector on an over cooperating retired crime lab tech to concoct a “confession” that is nothing of the sort. This story is dominated by overarching confidence from San Diego law enforcement that “DNA always gets our … Continue reading

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Forensics: Anti-cognitive bias training, limitations of science testimony, politicos and rape kits in NYC

Peter Neufeld, co-founder of The Innocence Project, will speak at the University of St. Thomas as part of a symposium on forensic science this month. “When the Gavel Falls…Limitations of Scientific Testimony” Thursday, September 17, 2015 8:00 AM to 4:00 … Continue reading

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New efforts to ID Pearl Harbor victims, the “excitement of delirium” and other Forensic Notes, some strange others tragic.

After a 1947 internment from the battleship Oklahoma, skeletal remains experience new ID attempts.  North Carolina has two newly compensated exonerees. 30 years in prison while innocent of murder. Once again, false confessions prove to be largely coerced from vulnerable … Continue reading

Posted in AAFS, costs of wrongful convictions, Crime, criminal justice, CSI, DNA profiling, exoneration, forensic pathology, Forensic Science, junk forensic science | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

“Point of Action” rapid DNA presents major lack of safeguards

These decidedly un-literary PR pieces from DNA companies boggle the mind regarding what they don’t say about reliability safeguards during the use of their “printer sized” machines located at the aptly named CSI style ” point of action.” Maybe they … Continue reading

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How to Hold Bad Prosecutors Accountable: The Case for a Commission on Prosecutorial Conduct

Why not create a standing commission on Forensic Science Integrity in New York as well? One  exists in Texas and is auditing the effects of flawed microscopic hair and bitemark matching in past cases. Much to the chagrin and ire … Continue reading

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Stats on CSIDDS forensics and law blog – Thanks so much for your interest!!

Going to reach 20,000 for 2015.

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Some DAs wandering afar from ethical guidelines

Leaking prosecutors seem to be getting some attention from the FEDS. But they ultimately get slapped on the pinky finger. As in prosecutor Mike Nifong in the Duke rape railroad case getting one day in jail. Its even worse when … Continue reading

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Forensics: Bitemark matching in “India” Documentary

I would love to see the “bitemark” police talk about in this recent case. The authorities should rely on DNA obtained from the bitemark itself not a bitemark “fingerprint.” BBC documentary Previous blog on India’s bitemark expertise. This may be … Continue reading

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‘This isn’t CSI’ : The science behind forensic toxicology

Taking a close look at why forensic tox is so complicated and takes weeks to months to complete. Unlike other medical tests, where technicians isolate a specific compound like cholesterol, Middleberg says that you don’t always know what you’re looking … Continue reading

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Digital ‘forensic science’ has blossomed but regulations and firm protocols are lacking

The author has excellent academic credentials and states unregulated proliferation of court accepted ‘digitalizing’ experts has its obvious risks.  As in wrongful incarcerations and convictions. The realm of forensics (any technology or expert  opinion used in the courts) “digital” evidence … Continue reading

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