NAS 2009 Flashcards
Why was the report written
Significant improvements needed no be made in forensic science, no correlation between labs leaves the justice system disjointed.
What was the name of the paper?
Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: a path forward.
How was it proposed to be sorted?
Needed to be sorted from the top down. Once standards were set at the top, only then would the laboratories abide by them
Who directed the investigation?
Congress
How many recommendations were proposed?
13
What were the two criterial for assessment that they came up with?
Extent at which discipline was founded on reliable methodology
The extent at which discipline relies on human interpretation
What was similar to scitechs 2005?
Creation of a national institute of forensic was similar to Scitech advising on a forensic science advisory council
What was their most important recommendation?
To focus on research. In particular need for validation studies on common technique. Shoe mark analysis, fingerprint firearms etc.
What did they say was pretty much fine in the area of research?
DNA - only reliable evidence that had been rigorously tested and wasn’t contested in court.
What challenge was made regarding technology?
That different labs were using different techniques. So disparities in the community. One using gc-ms and one using LC-MS.
Is it a problem that labs use different analytical methods?
As long as they work and produce the same result?
What challenges did they propose we’re a problem?
Technology (gc/LC-ms being different between labs)
Interpretation of evidence
Research
Fragmentation
Lack of standardisation, certification and accreditation (swg provide documents they should work to, but will this not stifle invention?)
Admission of evidence In court
Evidence in subjects is lacking (ear prints)
Csi effect