Expert Witness: Effective Courtroom Testimony
By Stevee Ashlock
It is important to look, sound, and act the part to be a convincing and effective Expert Witness.
Working Together To Solve Crime
By Stephanie Stoiloff, Paul Ferrara, Randy Nagy
Partnerships between public and private labs can help reduce DNA backlogs by providing the extra resources public labs often lack.
Validation of Automated Systems For The DNA Laboratory: Perspectives From Experienced Users
By Melissa Schwandt, Cristopher Cowan, Darrin Pelerin, John Ertl, Lesley Katzilierakis
Although every validation is different, the advice and experiences of others can help you develop your own validation plan.
New Tools Enhance Forensic DNA Casework Analysis
By Lisa Schade, BS, MHR, Arthur Eisenberg, Ph.D.
New laws are increasing DNA caseloads, but recent and upcoming technology is helping to close the gap and improve the quality of forensic DNA testing and analysis.
Tool Mark Impressions
By Steven L. Petersen, CCSI, Shawn L. Naccarato, DDS/CCSA
A slightly different technique for collecting tool mark impression evidence.
From The Editor: Forensics In The News
By Rebecca Waters
The Melendez-Diaz case ruling that lab analysts had to be available to testify if their analysis was submitted as evidence—has resurfaced as the U.S. Supreme Court consented to hear Briscoe v. Virginia.
Injunction Denied
By Chris Asplen
The American Civil Liberties Union has filed its class action law suit in California challenging the implementation of that state’s arrestee DNA database legislation. Fortunately for many potential victims and for many suspects, the Federal judge deciding the preliminary injunction has ruled against the ACLU.
Can You Hear Me Now?
By Vince McLeod, CIH
It’s important to monitor ambient noise levels in forensic laboratories both in the design phase and during operation.
Facing Today's DNA Lab Challenges
By Ken Mohr
Making more office space, calculating the amount of DNA staff needed to work DNA backlogs, and creating more storage space are issues common to DNA labs today.
The Digital Forensic Sub-Disciplines: Part 2
By John J. Barbara
The confusion concerning the Digital and Multimedia Evidence Sub-Disciplines suggests the Discipline should be revised.
The Role of the Forensic Crime Scene Officer
By Dick Warrington
Today’s high-tech world greatly increases our ability to put the “bad guys” in jail. But technology only takes you so far. As crime scene officers, we have to expand the role we play in order to take full advantage of the technology out there.
