When "science" is used to mislead juries. The history of flawed forensics in the District of Columbia.
In 2015, the FBI admitted that its examiners gave flawed testimony in 95% of trials over a two-decade period. Hundreds of people may have been wrongfully convicted based on fabricated forensic "matches."
For decades, FBI analysts testified that they could match hair found at a crime scene to a specific defendant with near-certainty. They used made-up statistics like "one in 10 million."
The Truth: In 2015, the FBI admitted that its examiners gave flawed testimony in 95% of trials over a two-decade period. There is no scientific basis for claiming a definitive match between hair samples without DNA.
Forensic dentists claimed they could match bite marks on skin to a suspect's teeth with absolute certainty.
The Truth: The National Academy of Sciences has found no scientific basis for bite mark analysis. Skin is elastic and distorts marks, making accurate comparison impossible. It is now widely considered pseudoscience.
At least 26 people have been exonerated after being convicted based on bite mark evidence.
FBI examiners provide flawed testimony in hundreds of DC cases, claiming definitive hair "matches" with no scientific basis.
After 27 years in prison, DNA proves Gates was innocent. FBI hair analysis was the key evidence at trial.
DNA testing reveals the "hair" FBI matched to Tribble was actually from a dog.
DOJ/FBI review finds flawed testimony in 95% of hair analysis cases. 32 death penalty cases affected.
DFS management pressured analysts to change results and covered up ballistics testing errors.
The DC Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) lost its accreditation in 2021 after it was revealed that managers pressured analysts to change results and covered up errors in ballistics testing.
The National Academy of Sciences has called for major reforms in forensic science. Learn how you can support accountability and scientific integrity in the justice system.
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