Forensic Testimony: Pitfalls and Guardrails

Program: Forensic Testimony: Pitfalls and Guardrails

Date: December 3^rd, 4-6pm

Platform: Remote

Program Description:

Using an investigative fact pattern which could be interpreted as a homicide or an accident, this seminar will focus on fingerprint and DNA issues.  The discussion will follow a chronological format: crime scene response, laboratory analysis of fingerprint and DNA evidence, case preparation by the prosecution and defense, use of independent experts for education and/or trial, and trial management by a judge. Utilizing seasoned practitioners from each of these areas, the seminar will provide careful consideration of the pitfalls and guardrails that practitioners experience in case work and presentation of evidence in a courtroom setting.

Faculty:

• Hon. Isaac Borenstein (Ret.), Of Counsel Kajko, Weisman & Colasanti, LLP
• Dr. Robin Cotton Director of the Biomedical Forensic Sciences Program and the Forensic Laboratory Management Expert for the Forensic Science Oversight Board
• Brian Cunningham, Forensic Scientist III, Crime Scene Response Unit
• Lisa Kavanaugh, Esq., Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. And CPCS Innocence Program Director and Trustee of the New England Innocence Project
• Adrienne Lynch, Esq., Massachusetts District Attorneys Association on the FSOB
• Sergeant Rose Stoffers, Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services,
• Dr. Henry Swofford, Lead Scientist, National Institute of Standards and Technology

CLE’s Approved for the following panels: CAFL, YAD Appeals, Criminal Trials & Appeals, MH Trials