PUBLICATION: "DNA for the defence bar" published by the National Institute of Justice;
GIST: "DNA for the defense bar is specifically designed for criminal defence attorneys. The National Institute for Justice engaged an impressive multi-disciplinary team to produce the most up-to-date information possible in the ever-involving area of DNA."
BACKGROUND. (Thanks to Sarah Rackley for drawing attention to this important new publication - on "Forensic Science in North Carolina," (added to our links) a Blog published by the North Carolina Office of Indigent defence services - and thanks to Lynne Blanchard, a great supporter of this Blog, for drawing Sarah's post to my attention. HL); In Sarah Rackley's words: "A fantastic new publication is available for criminal defense attorneys working on cases with DNA evidence. DNA for the Defense Bar was published by the National Institute of Justice in June 2012 and is available for free download here. Normally I don't recommend printing out publications because I love trees, but this is one resource that you'll want to print out and keep on hand when you're working on cases with DNA evidence. This manual was written by a group of experienced defense attorneys and DNA experts including Jack Ballantyne, Catherine Cothran, Jules Epstein, Christine Funk, Chris Plourd, Vanessa Potkin, Ron Reinstein, and Edward Ungvarsky. Its approach to basic and advanced topics is easy to understand. The manual contains excellent examples and figures so that attorneys can visualize the concepts discussed and compare the figures in the manual to lab reports in their own cases.There are clear explanations of topics such as artifacts, interpretation of results, cold case hits and CODIS, DNA collection issues, laboratory issues, newer techniques such as mtDNA and Y-STR, and statistics. There is a glossary that attorneys can use to understand the concepts in this publication and the language used in lab reports. In addition to explaining the science and techniques of DNA analysis, the manual offers advice on topics such as opening and closing statements, jury selection, and cross examination. This is a great reference for any attorney working on cases with DNA evidence."
PUBLISHER'S NOTE:
Information on "The Charles Smith Blog Award"- and its nomination process - can be found at:
http://smithforensic.blogspot.com/2011/05/charles-smith-blog-award-nominations.html
Please send any comments or information on other cases and issues of interest to the readers of this blog to: hlevy15@gmail.com
Harold Levy: Publisher; The Charles Smith Blog.
GIST: "DNA for the defense bar is specifically designed for criminal defence attorneys. The National Institute for Justice engaged an impressive multi-disciplinary team to produce the most up-to-date information possible in the ever-involving area of DNA."
BACKGROUND. (Thanks to Sarah Rackley for drawing attention to this important new publication - on "Forensic Science in North Carolina," (added to our links) a Blog published by the North Carolina Office of Indigent defence services - and thanks to Lynne Blanchard, a great supporter of this Blog, for drawing Sarah's post to my attention. HL); In Sarah Rackley's words: "A fantastic new publication is available for criminal defense attorneys working on cases with DNA evidence. DNA for the Defense Bar was published by the National Institute of Justice in June 2012 and is available for free download here. Normally I don't recommend printing out publications because I love trees, but this is one resource that you'll want to print out and keep on hand when you're working on cases with DNA evidence. This manual was written by a group of experienced defense attorneys and DNA experts including Jack Ballantyne, Catherine Cothran, Jules Epstein, Christine Funk, Chris Plourd, Vanessa Potkin, Ron Reinstein, and Edward Ungvarsky. Its approach to basic and advanced topics is easy to understand. The manual contains excellent examples and figures so that attorneys can visualize the concepts discussed and compare the figures in the manual to lab reports in their own cases.There are clear explanations of topics such as artifacts, interpretation of results, cold case hits and CODIS, DNA collection issues, laboratory issues, newer techniques such as mtDNA and Y-STR, and statistics. There is a glossary that attorneys can use to understand the concepts in this publication and the language used in lab reports. In addition to explaining the science and techniques of DNA analysis, the manual offers advice on topics such as opening and closing statements, jury selection, and cross examination. This is a great reference for any attorney working on cases with DNA evidence."
PUBLISHER'S NOTE:
I am monitoring DNA-related issues. Keep your eye on the Charles Smith Blog for reports on developments.
The Toronto Star, my previous employer for more than twenty incredible years, has put considerable effort into exposing the harm caused by Dr. Charles Smith and his protectors - and into pushing for reform of Ontario's forensic pediatric pathology system. The Star has a "topic" section which focuses on recent stories related to Dr. Charles Smith. It can be found at:
http://www.thestar.com/topic/charlessmithThe Toronto Star, my previous employer for more than twenty incredible years, has put considerable effort into exposing the harm caused by Dr. Charles Smith and his protectors - and into pushing for reform of Ontario's forensic pediatric pathology system. The Star has a "topic" section which focuses on recent stories related to Dr. Charles Smith. It can be found at:
Information on "The Charles Smith Blog Award"- and its nomination process - can be found at:
http://smithforensic.blogspot.com/2011/05/charles-smith-blog-award-nominations.html
Please send any comments or information on other cases and issues of interest to the readers of this blog to: hlevy15@gmail.com
Harold Levy: Publisher; The Charles Smith Blog.
