Forensic Errors Flashcards
What is a type 1 error concerned with?
Forensic science reports
Define a type 1 error.
A forensic science report has a misstatement of the scientific basis of a forensic science examination.
Give an example of a type 1 error.
Lab error,
poor communication (info excluded),
resource constraints in laboratory
What are type 2 errors concerned with?
Individualization or classification
Define a type 2 error
A forensic science examination has an incorrect individualization or classification of a piece of evidence or the incorrect interpretation of a forensic result that implies an incorrect individualization or association.
Give examples of type 2 errors.
Interpretation error or fraudulent interpretation of intended association
What is a type 3 error concerned with?
Testimony
Describe a type 3 error
Testimony at trial reported forensic science results in an erroneous manner. An error may be intended or unintended.
Give examples of type 3 errors.\
Mischaracterized statistical weight or probability
What is a type 4 error concerned with?
Officer of the court
Describe a type 4 error.
An officer of the court (lawyer, judge) created an error related to forensic evidence.
Give examples of type 4 errors.
Excluded evidence or faulty testimony accepted over objection.
What are type 5 errors concerned with?
Evidence handling and reporting
Describe a type 5 error
Potentially probative forensic evidence was not collected, examined, or reported during a police investigation or reported at trial.
Give examples of type 5 errors.
Chain of custody, lost evidence, police misconduct.
