Assignment
There has been a lot of "hype" regarding the subjectivity of various forensic science disciplines, such as, latent print examinations and firearm examinations. To prove that these disciplines are scientifically sound, there is a need for research, application of error rates, "black-box studies" etc. This debate began back in 2009 and continues to this day. The initial concerns arose during a national examination of all forensic disciplines. This resulted in the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report NRC 2009, "Strengthening Forensic Science in the US: A Path Forward" (Webliogaphy).
These are my sources
1. Summation-Keypoints
https://www.evidencemagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=140
2. Attorney's Viewpoint.
https://www.thetruthaboutforensicscience.com/a-quick-summary-of-the-national-academy-of-sciences-report-on-forensic-sciene/
1. Are question document examinations purely subjective (influenced by an examiner's opinion)?
2. Do you believe that question document examinations are scientifically sound (we learned graphologists are probably not)?
3. As a QDE expert would you feel confident testifying to your conclusions or opinions........based on the type of analysis you performed in this course? This could potentially compromise a suspect's freedom or life. Hauptmann executed for Lindbergh Kidnapping was convicted based on circumstantial evidence, primarily the kidnap note writing examination matching his handwriting.
4. As a juror, what type of information would you want to be provided in court to prove that question document examinations are scientifically sound?
5. (Optional): Do you think ethical considerations must also be considered when a QDE offers his testimony in court? Such professional-ethical standards are set by organizations such as the AAFS? Feel free to discuss the information presented below as what can happen when an QDE expert crosses a line into a gray area ethically:"James Blanco: A cautionary Tale (CAC)", resulting in expulsion from a professional society. https://www.forensicdna.com/assets/3rdq09.pdf