Forensic Science Freedom Field Clinic Seminar

Catalog description

This field clinic will introduce students to the most prevalent forensic sciences used during the investigation and prosecution of crimes in our criminal justice system. Classes will cover subjects at the intersection of law and science, including (1) basic methods used in various disciplines of forensic science, (2) standards of admissibility of expert evidence related to forensic sciences, (3) how cognitive bias can impact both judges and juries in considering the admissibility and weight of forensic evidence, (4) the origins of various forensic science and how the lack of scrutiny from the scientific community led to substantial problems related to their efficacy, and (5) how the improper application of forensic science can lead to wrongful convictions. The objective of the Clinic will be to give students a hands-on experience with the challenges associated with integrating scientific evidence into legal decision-making, and provide an understanding of how courts employ this form of proof. Students will learn the challenging and creative analytical thought necessary to attack or admit into evidence various forms of forensic science. Ultimately, students will play a role in exonerating the wrongfully convicted. The Clinic will introduce students to the fundamental underpinnings of the scientific method. Students' assumptions of what is valid science will be challenged, as they learn the problems associated with everything from fingerprints to blood pattern evidence to DNA. Each week, students will learn about a new discipline of forensic science. Students will also be assigned field work ranging from fact investigation, scientific research and litigation of actual cases for clients that the law firm of Joshua E. Dubin, Esq., P.A. represents on a pro bono basis. These cases will be on behalf of individuals who we feel have been wrongfully accused of crimes they did…