Agenda Day One

The Scientific Method v. Daubert (Similarities & Differences)-Matthew L. Reger & Daniel Davison (1  cr.) 

Abstract:
What do the Daubert standard and the scientific method have in common, and how do they differ? What are the components of each, and how does one affect the other? What is the purpose of both in relation to how evidence is handled in court? This topic will be taught by Mr. Mathew Reger and Mr. Daniel Davison. Both instructors come to this topic with specific areas of expertise. Mr. Reger brings his experience as an attorney and judge to the class and Mr. Davison brings his experience as a forensic scientist with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Alphabet Soup: What is NAS, PCAST, and OSAC (and Why Should I Care)? - Crystal Oechsle (1 cr.)

Abstract:
Troubled by some recent revelations, Congress directed the National Academy of Science’s (NAS) National Research Council to undertake a study regarding the state of forensic science in this country. The NAS report, “Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward” was published in 2009 and made a series of recommendations. In 2015, President Obama asked the President’s Council of Advisers on Science and Technology (PCAST) whether there were additional steps on the scientific side, beyond those already taken by the Administration in the aftermath of a highly critical 2009 National Research Council report on the state of the forensic sciences, that could help ensure the validity of forensic evidence used in the Nation’s legal system. The PCAST report, “Forensic Science in Criminal Courts: Ensuring Scientific Validity of Feature-Comparison Methods” was published in 2016. In this session, we will review the history of Quality Assurance, accreditation, and self-policing in the crime laboratory, from which the NAS and PCAST reports arose. This will lead into a discussion of the pertinent findings of the NAS and PCAST reports, the forensic science community’s response, and the creation and role of the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science.

DNA 101: DNA Evidence in the Courtroom- Crystal Oechsle (1 cr.)  

Abstract:
DNA has quickly become the “gold standard” for forensic evidence. It can damn the guilty, exonerate the innocent, and is generally expected to be present and tested in every case by the lay public. But, what is it and how did DNA rise to such prominence? This session is meant to provide the novice with a basic working knowledge of forensic DNA analysis, including history and current techniques.

Lunch; Case Studies: Making or Breaking a Case with Forensics- Angela Canepa (1 cr.)

Abstract:
Attorney Canepa has been a career prosecutor with tenure in multiple offices and roles across the state of Ohio. Throughout her career she has had direct trial experience with cases that involve use of forensic evidence and expert witness testimony across various disciplines, including child physical and sexual assault cases, adult sexual assault cases, and domestic violence related felonies, including any homicides that result from any of these types of cases. She has tried several death penalty cases, including being the lead prosecutor on the Pike County eight-person homicide case (the Rhoden family homicide case), and has successfully resolved three of the four defendants’ cases in that case. In this presentation, Attorney Canepa will provide an overview of her experiences utilizing forensic evidence to make or break her criminal cases. She will use real case examples, provide advice for working with forensic experts, and tips for trial preparation when forensic evidence is required as well as answer audience questions.

Pattern Interpretation- Jessica Mendofik (1 cr.)

Abstract:
“What is a Latent Print?” “Who did the print come from?” “Can this tool mark/footwear impression/tire impression/spent cartridge casing be matched to the tool, shoe, tire, or firearm that created it?” “If so, what does that mean?” If you have ever found yourself in a position where you have been faced with one of these questions, then this presentation is for you! The scientific areas of Latent Prints, Impressions, and Firearms Examination will be discussed by a forensic scientist with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Information regarding an overview of important terminology, methodology, and some courtroom challenges faced will be presented along with general guidance of how the different types of evidence can or, in some instances, cannot be used during criminal proceedings.

GSR 101: An Introduction to Gun Shot Residue- Daniel Davison (1 cr.)

Abstract:
The identification of particles characteristic of gunshot residue (GSR) is an examination that some jurisdictions have embraced while others have spurned. Learn what GSR is, how it is identified, and some of the limitations that affect the interpretation of its meaning in a case from a forensic scientist with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Information regarding an overview of important terminology, methodology, and some courtroom challenges faced will be presented along with general guidance of how the different types of evidence can or, in
some instances, cannot be used during criminal proceedings.

DNA 201: An Introduction to DNA Statistics in the Courtroom- Crystal Oechsle (1 cr.)       

Abstract:
This session is meant to build on the understanding established in the “DNA 101: DNA Evidence in the Courtroom” presentation by attempting to answer the question: Are DNA results always reliable or relevant? We will introduce, explore, and review DNA results and expert conclusions, and perhaps most importantly, what reported statistics mean, or don’t mean.