Tuesday, July 17, 2012

DOJ/FBI massive probe into hair and fiber cases: Anna Sandiford notes FBI admits flaws in forensic science - and asks "How about New Zealand?"


STORY: "FBI admits flaws in forensic science evidence - How about NZ?" by Anna Sandiford published by the Forensic Group on July 16, 2012.

GIST: "A comment very significant for the forensic science community was made by Michael Bromwich, a former Justice Department official:
“These recent developments remind us of the profound questions about the validity of many forensic techniques that have been used over the course of many decades and underscore the need for continuing attention at every level to ensuring the scientific validity and accuracy of the forensic science that is used every day in our criminal justice system,”
"The situation in New Zealand is no different because the criminal justice system relies on the same types of forensic science, particularly in criminal case investigation. If the Americans are prepared to acknowledge that they may have made mistakes then surely NZ should be open to the same consideration; science to be used in court should be tested before it is accepted in court and then tested on a case-by-case basis to ensure it is being fully, fairly, accurately and transparently reported. This begs the question of whether New Zealand needs a criminal case review organisation. I say it does, and I know I’m not alone in that sentiment."
The entire story can be found at:

http://sciblogs.co.nz/forensic-scientist/2012/07/16/fbi-admits-flaws-in-forensic-science-evidence-how-about-nz/
PUBLISHER'S NOTE:
I am monitoring these 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/charlessmith
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.