Improper calibration in true scientific endeavors versus forensic science in the courtroom

Improper calibration in true scientific endeavors versus forensic science in the courtroom

In the broader world of science, it is well recognized that parts of the measurement system need to be demonstrated to be in control and properly calibrated as well as properly used by a trained and knowledgable operator. It is through these basic fundamentals that we can infer with sufficient confidence that our testing is […]

Dry-lab get a promotion, become the chief, get discovered, and retire

Dry-lab get a promotion, become the chief, get discovered, and retire

Life is good for crime laboratory analysts. In the normal course of forensic science events. If you dry-lab, meaning you report out results when in fact you did not perform an analysis, you are efficient in the laboratory. You are someone who gets rewarded typically with a promotion. Heck, they even may make you chief […]

60 minutes and Arizona’s Pioneer Hotel Fire

60 minutes and Arizona’s Pioneer Hotel Fire

We have covered arson investigation before on this blog: Fire Whisperers-the Story of Bad Arson Investigation NFPA Releases NFPA 921:2011 and Rejects Negative Corpus Discover Magazine features the dangerous side of arson investigation Guest Blog Post From Dr. Frederic Whitehurst PhD JD: Forensic Science “Matches”-The Case of Black Powder Arson Investigation exonerations If you have […]

Amanda Knox Case: Judge Probably Understands Probability by Dr. Carrie Valentine, PhD

Amanda Knox Case: Judge Probably Understands Probability by Dr. Carrie Valentine, PhD

Judge Probably Understands Probability Carrie R. Valentine, Ph. D (biochemistry) A recent New York Times article reports that Italy’s Court of Cassation has overturned the acquittal of Amanda Knox for the murder of Meredith Kercher.[1] (Pictured Above: Amanda Knox post-release) Although Schneps and Comez acknowledge that the Court has not yet publicly explained the motivations […]