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Accrediting handwriting "experts" may not prevent wrongful convictions

Some improvements mandated by the Legislature at Texas crime labs apparently are taking a while to filter down into daily practices, to judge by this notice (doc) from the Department of Public Safety, found at the Texas prosecutors' website. DPS says many prosecutors still aren't aware that only handwriting experts from accredited labs can have their forensic analysis presented in court:Texas law enforcement agencies and prosecuting attorneys need to be aware that anyone presenting court testimony in a criminal trial regarding handwriting examination must work in a laboratory accredited by the Department of Public Safety, under the auspices of ASCLD, Inc.The Department further requires that the laboratory be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body...continue to full post

Full post as published by Grits for Breakfast on June 16, 2008 (boomark / email).