NIST Distances Itself from the First OSAC-approved Forensic Science Standard

On January 11, 2016, a group created by the federal government to develop better standards for forensic science approved -- without changing...

Hot Paint: Another ASTM Standard (E2937-13) that Needs More Work

A second standard for comparing samples of paint under review for the OSAC Registry is ASTM E2937-13, on "Infrared Spectroscopy in For...

What Is a "Conservative" Method in Forensic Statistics?

Statistical hypothesis testing involves a "null hypothesis" against an "alternative hypothesis." If data are not well ou...

"Reasonable Scientific Certainty," the NCFS, the Law of the Courtroom," and that Pesky Passive Voice

In a posting last week about a proposed National Commission on Forensic Science recommendation for the Attorney General to take the positio...

Is "Reasonable Scientific Certainty" Unreasonable?

Next month, the National Commission on Forensic Science is expected to vote on a proposal to make three recommendations about the testimon...

"Stress Tests" by the Department of Justice and the FBI's "Approved Scientific Standards for Testimony and Reports"

Yesterday, Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates addressed the assembled members of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences at their annual...

Is OSAC Painting Itself Out of the Picture? Time to Comment on ASTM E1640-14

The Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) started on the wrong foot with the first standard it chose to place on its blue-ribbo...