A gloved hand is taking fingerprints on a white fingerprint card on a light wooden surface.

The Weight of Evidence Question: Resources to Help Guide the Discussion

July 8, 2019

When it comes to a piece of evidence, a jury wants to know just how likely it is that a …

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Close-up of a person using a laptop displaying an image of an ancient, weathered manuscript or tablet.

Toolmark vs. Firearm Analysis: Do the Same Methods Apply?

May 20, 2019

Just how closely related are methods for forensic toolmark and firearm examination? Though seemingly quite similar, analysis techniques for one …

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A person in handcuffs touching a person's hand.

Does the Age Old Technique of Fingerprinting Need an Update? A Closer Look at this Forensic Science Tool

August 9, 2018

Just because a technique has been used for over a 100 years, does that make it scientifically sound or reliable? …

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A laptop displays data analysis graphs and coding on its screen, sitting on a wooden desk.

Understanding How Statistics Can Address Forensic Science Challenges

June 10, 2018

This post is based on the article “Statistical Issues in Forensic Science” by CSAFE Co-Director Hal Stern of UCI. The full …

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A gloved hand examines a shoe print on film using a flashlight in a forensic lab.

Forensic Evidence and Forensic Examinations – The Basics

April 25, 2018

This post is based on the article “Statistical Issues in Forensic Science” by CSAFE Co-Director and Professor of Statistics Hal Stern …

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Large NIST sign outside, surrounded by flowers and trees, reads “National Institute of Standards and Technology.”.

NIST: A Leader in Forensic Science and Valued CSAFE Partner

January 19, 2018

Imagine a world without standard measurements.  How would we quantify the weight of our food, or the length of material …

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A person writing on lined paper with a red pen; handwriting is visible but mostly out of focus.

4 Questions Answered About Pattern Evidence

January 5, 2018

Witnesses of a crime often share their version of the events that led up to the offense.  But often, evidence …

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Person writing a probability equation with a blue marker on a whiteboard.

Should the Likelihood Ratio Be Used In the Courtroom? NIST Researchers Weigh In

January 2, 2018

When investigating and communicating the value of evidence, the forensic science community makes every effort to explain results to juries …

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