The “War on Drugs” and Its Effects on Forensic Science
by Moderator on Jun.25, 2010, under Topics for discussion
1 Comment more...How Is “Error” Defined in Forensic Science?
by Moderator on Jun.25, 2010, under Topics for discussion
How is “error” defined in forensic science? What are the various types of error? What does “error rate” mean? If an investigator knows the exact error rate for a technique, how can that information be used in interpretation of evidence and testimony?
“Battlefield forensics”: Its use and potential abuse in the civilian setting
by Moderator on Apr.29, 2010, under Topics for discussion
The military is developing forensic databases for use in conflict areas. How might these data be shared and used in a civilian setting? What might be the impacts on civil liberties, and how can that conundrum be addressed? (continue reading…)
Who Should Manage Public Forensic Science Labs?
by Moderator on Mar.07, 2010, under Topics for discussion
1 Comment more...Is Contextual Bias a Serious Issue? How Can It Be Minimized?
by Moderator on Feb.06, 2010, under Topics for discussion
Leave a Comment more...Win a Top-Selling Forensics Book or Journal Subscription!
by Moderator on Jan.07, 2010, under Topics for discussion
Comments Off more...Uniqueness: Is It Necessary, Sufficient – or Even Possible?
by Moderator on Jan.06, 2010, under Topics for discussion
2 Comments more...What Must Forensic Science Learn from the Willingham Case?
by Moderator on Jan.06, 2010, under Topics for discussion
In 2004, Cameron Todd Willingham was convicted of murder and executed for the deaths of his three young children by arson at the family home in Texas. The case gained attention when an investigative report in The New Yorker ostensibly demonstrated that, contrary to the claims of the prosecution, there was no evidence that the house fire was intentionally set, and that the State of Texas executed an innocent man.
Some point to this case as another example of the problems associated with forensic science and an additional example of issues like those noted in the National Academy of Science report.
What is your opinion of this case and how does it inform the current debate in forensic science? Fire science is one of those areas of expertise typically found outside of public forensic labs. Like traffic investigation and blood stain pattern interpretation, these disciplines may be used with limited oversight. How might they be improved?
How Should Communities Pay for Forensic Lab Services?
by Moderator on Jan.05, 2010, under Topics for discussion
The present budget climate has hit forensic labs hard. In some regions, there is discussion about charging for what historically have been free services. Various payment models are being considered, from a per capita fee based on population or simply recovering actual costs to establishing hourly rates for different types of cases. The UK as well as other areas have used fee-for-service models for a number of years. Some contend that the practice works while others argue that it causes many unanticipated problems.
What is your view of the practice?
The Wrongful Conviction of Forensic Science
by Moderator on Sep.04, 2009, under Articles for discussion
Authors: John M. Collins and Jay Jarvis
The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of claims that faulty forensic science is a leading cause of wrongful convictions. This sentiment has been reported at length by major news outlets across the United States. It has also been a matter of great concern to a group of activists in what is known as the innocence network and other individuals having varying degrees of interest in the formulation of public policies related to forensic science. (continue reading…)
