Subscribe Via RSSNew Study Discredits Forensic Procedures
The National Academy of Sciences will publish a report later this month that calls into question the practices of forensic laboratories. Forensic labs work with evidence such as fingerprints and blood spatters, and have been popularized by shows such as CSI. Conducted over a 2 year period, the study found that analysts are often undertrained and employee substandard methods. Despite these inadequacies, the study also discovered that analysts are prone to exaggerating the accuracy of their results. Sloppy lab work and misleading expert testimony are common causes of wrongful convictions. The study is expected to bring dramatic changes to both labs and courtrooms across the country. The report recommends that a universal set of standards be applied to all labs. Likewise, the report’s findings will give greater weight to defense attorneys arguing against forensic procedures and expert testimony. To read the New York Time's article on the study, please click here.
Technorati Tags:
