Future Focus for Forensic Science, Summer 2017

Technology

POTUS, PCAST, and Forensics

By Jules Epstein

A report issued by President Obama’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) highlights concerns with the “foundational validity” of certain forensic methods, prompting judges to reassess the admissibility and scope of forensic expert testimony and lawyers to reconsider their presentation of forensic evidence in the courtroom.

Technology

Stare Decisis Is Not Scientific: A Cautionary Tale from Two Cases

By Roderick Kennedy

Although the proponent of forensic expert testimony carries the burden of establishing that its methods and conclusions are reliable, the opponent will have to be active and vigorous to overcome the “general acceptance” of such evidence based on prior judicial rulings.

Technology

Teaching Judges to Be Gatekeepers of the Admissibility of Science: The Role of the ABA Judicial Division Forensic Science Committee

By Judge Stephanie Domitrovich and W. Milton Nuzum III

With the recent termination of the National Commission on Forensic Science, the ABA, educators, and state courts must work to ensure that resources are available to educate judges on science to enable them to effectively function as scientific gatekeepers in their courtrooms.

Technology

What Fire Litigators Need to Know in 2017

By John J. Lentini

Although many of the “indicators of arson” relied on for decades are no longer recognized as useful, challenges to inaccuracies in fire investigation are not limited to the investigator’s methodology, but may include attacks on the investigator’s qualifications.

Technology

Smart Home Technology : Outpacing Guidelines for Fire and Explosion Investigations

By Michael O’Brien

Current reference guides and safety requirements do not address the potential for a fire when “smart home” products malfunction or are cyberattacked, making their evaluation as a potential cause of the fire a complex undertaking.

Technology

Capital Litigators Crime Scene to Courtroom Forensics Training

By Carol Henderson and Eileen Fynan

The National Clearinghouse for Science, Technology and the Law offers various forensic training resources to equip prosecutors and defense counsel with the knowledge they need to determine which scientific evidence is crucial and incorporate it strategically.

Technology

Eight Research Tips for Lawyers about Forensic Science

By Diana Botluk

Discover how to expand your research beyond Google and the keywords “forensic science.”

Technology

ABA Section of Science & Technology Law Nominees For 2017–2018 Section Officer and Council Positions

ABA SECTION OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LAW NOMINEES FOR 2017–2018 SECTION OFFICER AND COUNCIL POSITIONS