Autopsy of a Crime Lab

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This book reveals the serious flaws in the forensic evidence that underpins criminal convictions. A defendant's claim, "That's not my fingerprint, your honor," highlights the alarming inaccuracies in expert identifications, such as the FBI's "100-percent identification," which can be wrong. It is the first comprehensive examination of the errors and unreliable science behind various forensic techniques, including fingerprints, firearms, and forensic algorithms. Legal expert Brandon L. Garrett raises critical questions that should be addressed in courtrooms: What studies validate the widely accepted methods like fingerprinting? How can experts assert 100 percent certainty when no such match exists? What quality control measures are in place at labs and crime scenes? Should we embrace advanced technologies like facial recognition and rapid DNA analysis without scrutiny? Furthermore, why are judges hesitant to acknowledge the flaws in established methods? Through the stories of the wrongfully convicted and the scandals within crime labs, this book underscores the dangers of shaky science and the need for reform, highlighting the efforts of professionals and researchers striving for change.