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Full-Text Articles in Law
Forensics’ Fight: A Need For Aggressive Strategies Against Confirmation Bias, Madison Mcgowan
Forensics’ Fight: A Need For Aggressive Strategies Against Confirmation Bias, Madison Mcgowan
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
In 2009, the National Academy of Sciences produced a lengthy report illuminating significant weaknesses present within the forensic community. One complex fault found in forensics was conformation bias. Since it is within human nature to make decisions based on contextual information, assumptions, and pre-held opinions, confirmation bias is an issue that will continue to persist. Therefore, stronger efforts must be made to recognize and abate the problem of bias within the field of forensics in order to preserve the notion that forensic science exists to serve principles of both truth and justice. Accordingly, this paper argues for the fight against …
Acculturating Forensic Science: What Is ‘Scientific Culture’, And How Can Forensic Science Adopt It?, Simon A. Cole
Acculturating Forensic Science: What Is ‘Scientific Culture’, And How Can Forensic Science Adopt It?, Simon A. Cole
Fordham Urban Law Journal
Part I, describes how the NAS Report characterizes “scientific culture.” I suggest that the described attributes of scientific culture are vague and unspecific, and that more thought is necessary to elucidate how they might map onto forensic science. In Part II, I suggest that the NAS Report’s characterization of “scientific culture” is based on popular accounts of science and “the scientific method.” I suggest that these accounts are incomplete, generally considered obsolete, and not particularly helpful in pointing a way toward reform of forensic science. In Part III, I posit a conception of science as work rather than method. In …
The Nas Report: In Pursuit Of Justice, Geoffrey S. Mearns
The Nas Report: In Pursuit Of Justice, Geoffrey S. Mearns
Fordham Urban Law Journal
This article discusses the NSA report entitled “Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward.” It argues that law enforcement officials should embrace the recommendations in the NAS report. The Committee identified many of the systemic problems that plague forensic science, and the report identified thirteen specific recommendations to address these systemic problems.
Forensic Science: Why No Research?, Paul C. Giannelli
Forensic Science: Why No Research?, Paul C. Giannelli
Fordham Urban Law Journal
The ground-breaking report on forensic science by the National Academy of Sciences—Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward—raised numerous issues. One dominant theme that runs throughout the Report is the failure of some forensic science disciplines to comport with fundamental scientific principles—in particular, to support claims with empirical research. This essay attempts to answer the “why” question: Why was there a lack of research across so many forensic disciplines? For purposes of discussion, the time frame is divided into an early period and a recent period. The line of demarcation between the two eras is the advent …