Chapter 278A Working Group TrainingCutting Edge Issues & Collaborations in Post-conviction Forensic Testing
Wed. Dec. 15, 2-4pm
Please join a training hosted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office in partnership with the members of the Chapter 278A Working Group, which includes the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory, the CPCS Innocence Program, the New England Innocence Project, and the BC Innocence Program. The following topics will be covered at the training, followed by an opportunity for Q and A with the panelists:
- Probabilistic Genotyping: Have you ever wondered how this technology could be useful in post-conviction matters, including in cases where DNA testing has previously been done? Sharon Convery Walsh from the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory will discuss probabilistic genotyping, STRMix, and its application in the post-conviction context.
- Obtaining DNA samples from third-party suspects: Learn about the SJC’s recent decision in Commonwealth v. Randolph, which first addressed the process under Chapter 278A for obtaining a DNA sample from a third-party suspect for comparison to crime scene evidence.
- Agreements for Forensic Testing Outside of Chapter 278A: A panel of attorneys will discuss circumstances where agreements for forensic testing without court-involvement may be appropriate.
- A Collaborative Approach to Locating Evidence: Learn from the staff of innocence organizations and conviction integrity units about the ways parties can work together to locate evidence and obtain access to laboratory files necessary to investigate the possibility of post-conviction forensic testing.
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EmCPP7xLR0CYIXhwoVtVxQ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.