Scientific Evidence Problems in Criminal Defense
Posted on: July 19, 2023 | Posted by: Jarrett P. Ambeau | Comments: No Comments
Problems with Scientific Evidence in Criminal Defense Cases
This article speaks directly to the serious problems with forensic scientific evidence. A serious voir dire of experts offered against your client is in order and attorneys must have a minimum level of understanding of the science to effectively perform this function.
“The FBI is reviewing 2,000 cases convicted on hair samples after it has emerged that there has been widespread errors in forensic testing and how the evidence was portrayed in court. As many as 27 prisoners facing the death penalty may have been wrongfully convicted along with potentially thousands of others across the country. Since the 1980s, hundreds of convictions have been overturned on improper forensic science – which includes bite marks, blood analysis, and shoe prints along with hair samples. Forensic testing has never been proved 100 percent accurate by science – but at times, was presented by experts in court as if conclusive.
A current federal review of unprecedented scale is examining 2,000 cases from 1985 to 2000 where the FBI submitted testimony or reports on hair analysis. Cases where the individual is facing execution will be given priority. The grievous errors could now potentially throw an unknown number of convictions across the country into doubt as 95 percent of violent crimes are handled by local and state jurisdictions. “
Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What problems can arise with forensic scientific evidence?
Forensic methods like hair analysis, bite marks, or blood patterns are not always reliable. Many have been discredited or found to produce errors, leading to wrongful convictions.
Why is forensic evidence important to a case?
Forensic evidence helps solve crimes by studying clues left behind. It gives clear facts that support investigations and make cases stronger in court.
What is the FBI reviewing in hair analysis cases?
The FBI is reviewing about 2,000 convictions from 1985–2000 involving hair analysis due to accuracy concerns.
Since when have courts overturned cases for flawed forensic science?
Since the 1980s, hundreds of convictions have been reversed due to unreliable forensic testimony.
How can attorneys challenge faulty forensic evidence?
Understand the science, question expert methods, consult other specialists, and expose weaknesses during cross-examination.
What’s the legal risk of flawed forensic science?
It can lead to wrongful convictions, even death sentences, if not effectively challenged in court.
About the Author
jarrett-ambeau
Jarrett P. Ambeau Criminal Defense Attorney in Baton Rouge | Expert in Forensic DNA Interpretation Jarrett Ambeau is a highly respected criminal defense attorney based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the founder of The Ambeau Law Firm. With over 14 years of experience and more than 50 felony jury trials to verdict, Jarrett has...