In 2009, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) issued a landmark study that shook the field of forensics. Only nuclear DNA analysis , the report found, could “consistently, and with a high degree of certainty,” link an individual to a crime.
What are some of the problems with forensic evidence?
For example, forensic testimonies can be misleading . There have been cases where results were fabricated or where evidence that would have led to a guilty conviction were concealed. Innocent mistakes can happen, too. Practitioners can sometimes confuse or contaminate samples.
What is the NAS report?
The NAS report called on the scientific community to help the criminal justice system establish the resources and processes needed for forensics to move toward the promise of neutral truth teller.
What does NAS stand for in forensics?
Two weeks before the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) released its report, Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward, the New York Times published an article by Solomon Moore that stated: “People who have seen it say it is a sweeping critique of many forensic methods that the police and ...
What are three important discoveries in forensics?
- DNA sequencing. DNA sequencing can go beyond just the basic DNA testing in order to allow for DNA profiling in cases where a body has decomposed. ...
- Facial reconstruction. ...
- Magnetic fingerprinting. ...
- Laser ablation. ...
- Digital surveillance XFT devices.
Who was responsible for developing forensic microscopy?
Philip O. Gravelle , a chemist, developed a comparison microscope for use in the identification of fired bullets and cartridge cases with the support and guidance of forensic ballistics pioneer Calvin Goddard. It was a significant advance in the science of firearms identification in forensic science.
What is the 2009 NAS report?
The 2009 NAS report proposed several initiatives moving forward to increase the scientific foundations of forensic evidence. Recommendations included widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices and better training for forensic science professionals.
What forensic evidence is considered unreliable?
This is the question that has recently been sparked by Justice Chris Maxwell, President of the Victorian Court of Appeal, who states that forensic techniques such as gunshot analysis, footprint analysis, hair and bite mark comparison are unreliable in accurately identifying criminals.
Why is forensic evidence unreliable?
Sometimes forensic testimony fails to include information on the limitations of the methods used in the analysis , such as the method’s error rates and situations in which the method has, and has not, been shown to be valid.
Is DNA evidence alone enough to acquit or convict?
If identification is not in issue, generally DNA evidence will be irrelevant. By the same token, if there are issues beyond identification there will be no question of the DNA evidence alone being sufficient to justify conviction. All material facts in issue must be proved to convict an accused .
What are the three broad areas of forensic science?
The people
The work of a forensic scientist falls into three broad groups: field (collecting the evidence), laboratory and medical (analysing the evidence) .
What does NAS stand for?
A network-attached storage (NAS) device is a data storage device that connects to and is accessed through a network, instead of connecting directly to a computer.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the use of iris scans in forensic science?
The advantage of the iris scans in forensic science is that there are special characteristics in each person’s eye . The disadvantage is that it will not be useful unless that person’s iris is already in the system. 4. Why are online communications potentially important for forensic scientists?
Who is the father of forensic science?
About The Father of Forensics
Before there was CSI, there was one man who saw beyond the crime and into the future of forensic science. His name was Bernard Spilsbury —and, through his use of cutting-edge science, he single-handedly brought criminal investigations into the modern age.
What is the most important discovery in forensic science?
DNA : Forensic Science Investigates Itself
In 1984, Sir Alec Jeffreys, a British geneticist, stumbled across the realization that DNA showed both similarities and differences between family members, making it perhaps the most accurate form of identification ever discovered.
What are the 3 roles of a forensic science technician?
- Collecting evidence.
- Analyzing evidence.
- Communicating with law enforcement and...
