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DNA Analysis Exposes Flaws in an Inexact Forensic Science

By now — despite the apparent infallibility of detectives from Sherlock Holmes to Lieutenant Columbo, despite the clinical genius of wizards from Dr. Quincy to Gil Grissom — it should surprise no one that forensic science is not the model of exactitude that popular culture might have us believe. The scientific rigor of entrenched forensic disciplines has been challenged for years. Still, we live in a “C.S.I.” world, and television viewers could be forgiven for assuming that laboratory techniques used to catch bad guys are unassailable. In real life, though, the soundness of criminal analysis is being regularly tested, both in America’s labs and in its courtrooms.

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 DNA Analysis Exposes Flaws in an Inexact Forensic Science

By now — despite the apparent infallibility of detectives from Sherlock Holmes to Lieutenant Columbo, despite the clinical genius of wizards from Dr. Quincy to Gil Grissom — it should surprise no one that forensic science is not the model of exactitude that popular culture might have us believe.

Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences is an internationally recognised professional body with members in over 60 countries.

Forensic Linguistics Institute

When you have a problem related to language or linguistics you want an expert you can engage with quickly and efficiently, an expert with wide experience of the court system.

National Center for Forensic Science

NCFS's Mission: "Provide relevant and responsive forensic science research and operational support to the Criminal Justice Community"

National Forensic Science Technology Center

The National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC) is dedicated to supporting the justice and defense communities through innovative programs, evaluation of the latest technologies, training, laboratory support and consulting. Our goal is for all stakeholders to receive and provide the highest level of forensic science services.

Academy of Forensic Nursing

Our mission is to link research to practice through dissemination of scholarship, education and service to those affected by and responding to trauma.

Analytical Forensic Associates

Analytical Forensic Associates mission is to consistently deliver exceptional forensic analytical services to our clients with unbiased professionalism and integrity and to produce accurate results reported in a clear, objective and unambiguous manner all while providing unsurpassed customer satisfaction

Association of Women in Forensic Science

The Association of Women in Forensic Science, Inc. (AWIFS) is a non-profit organization based in the city of Philadelphia that provides networking opportunities for female forensic professionals, teenagers and college students.

Forensic and Clinical Toxicology Association

FACTA Inc was established in July 2010 in Victoria — Australia. The association represents the professional interests of practitioners engaged in the conduct of forensic and clinical toxicology in Australia and our regional neighbours.

Innocence Project

Innocence Project is a national litigation and public policy organization dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals through DNA testing and reforming the criminal justice system to prevent further injustice.

Innocence Project of Florida

The Innocence Project of Florida (IPF) is an IRS-certified 501(c)(3), non-profit organization founded in January 2003 to help innocent prisoners in Florida obtain their freedom and rebuild their lives.

National Academy of Forensic Engineers

The National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE) was founded to bring together those professional engineers who have attained substantial experience and recognition in forensic engineering practice. It seeks to improve the practice, elevate the standards, and advance the cause of forensic engineering.

National Association of Medical Examiners

The National Association of Medical Examiners is the national professional organization of physician medical examiners, medical death investigators and death investigation system administrators who perform the official duties of the medicolegal investigation of deaths of public interest in the United States.

National Organization of Forensic Social Work

To support the professional development of our members by constructing and maintaining forensic standards and best practices producing quality materials for interdisciplinary forensic education and practice conducting and disseminating forensic research and scholarship advocating for court-involved children, youth, adults, and families.

Royal Anthropological Institute

The Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland (RAI) is the world's longest-established scholarly association dedicated to the furtherance of anthropology (the study of humankind) in its broadest and most inclusive sense.

Society of Forensic Toxicologists

The Society of Forensic Toxicologists, Inc. is a not‐for-profit professional organization composed of practicing forensic toxicologists and those interested in the discipline for the purpose of promoting and developing forensic toxicology. Through its annual meetngs, the Society provides a forum for the exchange of information and ideas among toxicology professionals in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

American Academy of Forensic Sciences

A guide to the many possibilities for satisfying life choices of careers combining science and service in the interests of society, justice and public safety.

American Board of Forensic Document Examiners

The American Board of Forensic Document Examiners, Inc.® (ABFDE) was established in 1977. The Board’s objectives are two-fold: to establish, maintain and enhance standards of qualification for those who practice forensic document examination, and to certify applicants who comply with ABFDE requirements for this expertise.

American Board of Forensic Odontology

The objective of the Board is to establish, enhance, and revise as necessary, standards of qualifications for those who practice forensic odontology, and to certify as qualified specialists those voluntary applicants who comply with the requirements of the Board.

American Board of Forensic Psychology

The mission of the American Board of Forensic Psychology, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as the “Board”), a nonprofit corporation under the law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is to protect the consumer of forensic psychology services.

American Board of Forensic Toxicology

The objective of the Board is to establish, enhance, and revise as necessary, standards of qualification for individuals who practice forensic toxicology, and to certify as qualified those voluntary applicants who comply with the requirements of the Board.

American College of Forensic Examiners Institute

The American College of Forensic Examiners Institute (ACFEI) is an independent, scientific, and professional association representing forensic examiners worldwide.

American Forensic Association

The Association conducts many activities in support of forensics directors and their students.

American Forensic Nurses

Founded in 1983 by Faye Battiste Otto, registered nurse, American Forensic Nurses, Inc. (AMRN) provides specific mobile forensic evidence collection services for local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in Southern California in a professional and cost effective manner.

Canadian Society of Forensic Science

The Canadian Society of Forensic Science (CSFS) is a non-profit professional organization incorporated to maintain professional standards, and to promote the study and enhance the stature of forensic science.

International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts

The IABPA is an organization of forensic experts specializing in the field of bloodstain pattern analysis. The purpose of this page is to introduce you to the IABPA and inform you about our association.

International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators

The IABTI is an independent, non-profit, professional association formed for countering the criminal use of explosives. This is sought through the exchange of training, expertise and information among personnel employed in the fields of law enforcement, fire and emergency services, the military, forensic science and other related fields.

International Association of Forensic Nurses

IAFN is an international membership organization comprised of forensic nurses working around the world and other professionals who support and compliment the work of forensic nursing. The mission of the IAFN is to provide leadership in forensic nursing practice by developing, promoting, and disseminating information internationally about forensic nursing science.

International Association of Forensic Sciences

The IAFS is a worldwide association of academics and practising professionals from several disciplines in forensic science...

International Society for Forensic Genetics

The International Society for Forensic Genetics is an international association promoting scientific knowledge in the field of genetic markers analyzed for forensic purposes. The ISFG has been founded in 1968 and represents more than 1100 members from over 60 countries.

International Society of Explosives Engineers

The International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) was formed in 1974 as a professional society dedicated to promoting the safety, security and the controlled use of explosives in mining, quarrying, construction, manufacturing, demolition, aerospace, forestry, avalanche control, art, automotives, special effects, exploration, seismology, agriculture, law enforcement, and many other peaceful uses of explosives.

The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists

Nowadays TIAFT groups over 1400 members from all regions of the world who are actively engaged in analytical toxicology or allied areas with the aims of this association are to promote cooperation and coordination of efforts among members and to encourage research in forensic toxicology.