What do you mean TV isn't real life?

[pbray]

The media has once again discovered that real life isn't the same as TV, as USA Today breathlessly reports that CSI isn't an accurate representation of police forensics.

The article was inspired by the report from the National Academy of Sciences to Congress on the state of forensics and use of evidence in this country. The press release from NAS and audio of their briefing can be found here or you can listen to the story on NPR. Much of what is in the report reflects concerns that have been raised before, but this is a sweeping indictment of the overall system.

Comments

[pbray.livejournal.com]

I remember that story, and have it in my clippings. He's one of those I file under the sin of arrogance, and it's disheartening to realize how long these guys can keep going on unchecked.

Of course it's nothing new. My history of early modern forensics has stories dating back to nineteenth century of similar so-called expert witnesses, who either exaggerated their credentials, the science behind their testimony or both.

[sylvia-rachel.livejournal.com]

Yeah, he was a real piece of work, that guy. But of course he wasn't the first, nor will he be the last, to succumb to the corrupting influence of power over other people's lives...