Innocence Blog

Science Thursday - May 3, 2012

Posted: May 10, 2012 12:30 pm

The Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory is undergoing two investigations, an Indiana coroner arrives at a crime scene intoxicated, and the District of Columbia settles cases in which prosecutors knowingly relied on discredited breathalyzer results. Here’s this week’s round up of forensic news:
 
Los Angeles County Public Defender Jennifer Friedman makes the case in The Champion that litigating unvalidated forensic evidence is essential to reform.
 
The Office of Special Counsel investigates whistleblower retaliation complaints at the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory while the Pentagon Inspector General investigates evidence handling problems.
 
The District of Columbia has settled at least four cases where people sued the city because prosecutors continued to use breathalyzer results in pursuing drunk-driving convictions even after learning the machines were not properly calibrated. Several other claims are still pending.
 
The Oneida County Board of Legislators voted to abolish the county coroner system and replace it with a medical examiner's office.
 
An Indiana coroner was arrested after allegedly driving intoxicated to a crime scene.
 
Crime Report commentary challenges the science used in a 2000 California arson conviction.