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Mecikalski AA, Golding JM, Burke KC, Neuschatz JS. Legal Decision-Making in an Adult Rape Case Involving DNA Evidence. Violence Against Women 2024:10778012241247199. [PMID: 38659414 DOI: 10.1177/10778012241247199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
This study investigated how jurors use deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) evidence in an adult rape trial with a female victim and a male stranger defendant. Community members read a trial summary and then made case judgments (e.g., verdict). Results showed: (a) DNA evidence led to more pro-victim judgments (e.g., more guilty verdicts) than those who did not receive DNA evidence; (b) women were more pro-victim than men; (c) pro-victim judgments indirectly affected the presence of DNA evidence and verdict; and (d) the reason for a guilty verdict when DNA evidence was present typically noted a focus on the victim and DNA evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa A Mecikalski
- Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, USA
| | | | - Kelly C Burke
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Neuschatz
- Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, USA
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2
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Glover HA. Justice Denied: A Call to Action for Forensic Nurses. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING 2023; 19:01263942-990000000-00027. [PMID: 37205624 DOI: 10.1097/jfn.0000000000000410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Sexual violence is a major public health problem that negatively affects millions of Americans. Persons who have experienced sexual violence may choose to undergo a medical forensic examination and complete a sexual assault kit to collect and preserve evidence. DNA evidence is an impactful tool that has the potential to confirm an assailant's identity, reveal previously unknown offenders, connect serial predators to other crime scenes, exonerate the wrongly convicted, and prevent future acts of sexual violence. However, many of these kits have become "backlogged," meaning that evidence was not submitted by law enforcement for testing or DNA analysis was not completed by the crime laboratory, thereby denying justice and closure for victims. The purpose of this article is to illustrate the backlog of untested sexual assault kits in the United States and describe a case in which a serial offender was apprehended because of the testing of backlogged kits. In addition, this call to action aims to raise awareness regarding kit processing and promote advocacy among forensic nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary Ashton Glover
- Author Affiliation: Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions, University of North Alabama
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Miller GF, Barnett SB, Wulz AR, Luo F, Florence C. Costs attributable to criminal justice involvement in injuries: a systematic review. Inj Prev 2023; 29:91-100. [PMID: 36600522 PMCID: PMC10101176 DOI: 10.1136/ip-2022-044756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Costs related to criminal justice are an important component of the economic burden of injuries; such costs could include police involvement, judicial and corrections costs, among others. If the literature has sufficient information on the criminal justice costs related to injury, it could be added to existing estimates of the economic burden of injury. OBJECTIVE To examine research on injury-related criminal justice costs, and what extent cost information is available by type of injury. DATA SOURCES Medline, PsycINFO, Sociological Abstracts ProQuest, EconLit and National Criminal Justice Reference Service were searched from 1998 to 2021. DATA EXTRACTION Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses was followed for data reporting. RESULTS Overall, 29 studies reported criminal justice costs and the costs of crime vary considerably. CONCLUSIONS This study illustrates possible touchpoints for cost inputs and outputs in the criminal justice pathway, providing a useful conceptualisation for better estimating criminal justice costs of injury in the future. However, better understanding of all criminal justice costs for injury-related crimes may provide justification for prevention efforts and potentially for groups who are disproportionately affected. Future research may focus on criminal justice cost estimates from injuries by demographics to better understand the impact these costs have on particular populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle F Miller
- Division of Injury Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sarah Beth Barnett
- Division of Injury Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Avital Rachelle Wulz
- Division of Injury Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Feijun Luo
- Division of Injury Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Curtis Florence
- Division of Injury Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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McAndrew WP, Speaker PJ, Houck MM. Interpol review of forensic management, 2019-2022. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2023; 6:100301. [PMID: 36655022 PMCID: PMC9840933 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2022.100301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
This paper reviews and summarizes the forensic management literature from late 2019 to late 2022, covering laboratory strategic, tactical and operational decision-making, benchmarking, quality assurance, and managerial impacts from technological developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- William P. McAndrew
- Department of Finance and Economics, Dahlkemper School of Business, Gannon University, USA,Corresponding author.
| | - Paul J. Speaker
- Department of Finance, John Chambers College of Business & Economics, West Virginia University, USA
| | - Max M. Houck
- Global Forensic and Justice Center, Florida International University, USA
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Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in biological sciences from 2019 to 2022 as a part of the 20th INTERPOL International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. Topics reviewed include rapid DNA testing, using law enforcement DNA databases plus investigative genetic genealogy DNA databases along with privacy/ethical issues, forensic biology and body fluid identification, DNA extraction and typing methods, mixture interpretation involving probabilistic genotyping software (PGS), DNA transfer and activity-level evaluations, next-generation sequencing (NGS), DNA phenotyping, lineage markers (Y-chromosome, mitochondrial DNA, X-chromosome), new markers and approaches (microhaplotypes, proteomics, and microbial DNA), kinship analysis and human identification with disaster victim identification (DVI), and non-human DNA testing including wildlife forensics. Available books and review articles are summarized as well as 70 guidance documents to assist in quality control that were published in the past three years by various groups within the United States and around the world.
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Cross TP, Siller L, Vlajnic M, Alderden M. The Relationship of DNA Evidence to Prosecution Outcomes in Sexual Assault Cases. Violence Against Women 2022; 28:3910-3932. [PMID: 35142576 DOI: 10.1177/10778012221077124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between DNA evidence and outcomes of prosecution of sexual assault. Researchers coded data from prosecutor and crime laboratory files for sexual assault cases referred to prosecutors between 2005 and 2011 in a metropolitan jurisdiction in the northeastern United States. Cases with a DNA match were significantly more likely to move forward and result in conviction, even with other predictor variables statistically controlled. Analyses suggest DNA evidence contributes to case progression but also is a result of it. These findings strengthen the case for quality forensic medical examinations, investment in DNA analysis, and increased prosecutor training.
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Lovell RE, Singer M, Flannery DJ, McGuire MJ. The case for "investigate all": Assessing the cost-effectiveness of investigating no CODIS hit cases in a sexual assault kit initiative. J Forensic Sci 2021; 66:1316-1328. [PMID: 33650102 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
An increasing number of US jurisdictions have begun to submit their previously untested sexual assault kits (SAKs) for DNA testing. However, best practices for what should happen after testing are not well established. Should all cases be investigated regardless of the testing outcome or only those that returned a DNA hit? We examine an early-adopter jurisdiction that has completed testing and investigating all 5165 previously never tested kits. We explore and compare the criminal justice outcomes and cost-effectiveness of investigating: all cases, those with CODIS hits, and those without CODIS hits. Findings indicate the SAK initiative produced a cost savings to the community: $26.48 million ($5127 p/kit) after the inclusion of tangible and intangible costs of future sexual assaults averted through convictions, of which $9.99 million ($1934 p/kit) was from also investigating no CODIS hit cases. When considering only the costs to law enforcement, investigating all cases cost $12,000 p/additional conviction. Findings also illustrate the cost-effectiveness of investigating no CODIS hits cases and support an "investigate all" approach. This study enhances our understanding of the economic value of what comes after testing kits and investigating cases and provides a framework for jurisdictions for prioritizing resources and maximizing outcomes from testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Lovell
- Begun Center for Violence Prevention Research and Education, Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mendel Singer
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Daniel J Flannery
- Begun Center for Violence Prevention Research and Education, Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Margaret J McGuire
- Begun Center for Violence Prevention Research and Education, Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Campbell R, Javorka M, Sharma DB, Gregory K, Opsommer M, Schelling K, Lu L. A State Census of Unsubmitted Sexual Assault Kits: Comparing Forensic DNA Testing Outcomes by Geographic and Population Density Characteristics. J Forensic Sci 2020; 65:1820-1827. [PMID: 32866311 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A growing number of U.S. cities and states have large numbers of unsubmitted sexual assault kits (SAKs) in police property facilities. Prior research conducted in large urban cities has found that testing these kits yields a sizable number of DNA profiles that meet FBI eligibility for upload to the national criminal DNA database CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) and uploaded profiles return a substantial number of matches to existing criminal profiles in CODIS. It is unknown whether these findings are unique to large urban cities with high crime rates. The purpose of current study was to document forensic testing outcomes from a state census of previously unsubmitted SAKs, which included large urban-suburban centers, as well as smaller cities and rural counties. We inventoried all previously unsubmitted SAKs in Michigan (N = 3422 SAKs) and submitted all kits for forensic DNA testing. A total of n = 1239 SAKs had a DNA profile that met eligibility for upload into CODIS (36.2% unconditional, 56.5% conditional CODIS eligible rate) and n = 585 SAKs yielded a CODIS Hit (17.1% unconditional, 47.2% conditional CODIS hit rate). These rates are consistent with studies from urban areas suggesting approximately half of SAKs tested yield a CODIS profile and approximately half of those uploaded profiles yield a hit. We compared SAK forensic testing outcomes by geographic and population density characteristics, and although rates were often higher in larger metropolitan areas, the obtained rates in micropolitan and rural areas suggest testing is warranted in smaller jurisdictions as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Campbell
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 316 Physics Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824
| | - McKenzie Javorka
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 316 Physics Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824
| | - Dhruv B Sharma
- Center for Statistical Training & Consulting, Michigan State University, 293 Farm Lane Room, East Lansing, MI, 48824
| | - Katie Gregory
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 316 Physics Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824
| | - Matt Opsommer
- Michigan State Police, 7150 Harris Drive, Dimondale, MI, 48821
| | | | - Lauren Lu
- Michigan State Police, 7150 Harris Drive, Dimondale, MI, 48821
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Butler JM, Willis S. Interpol review of forensic biology and forensic DNA typing 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:352-367. [PMID: 33385135 PMCID: PMC7770417 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in biological sciences from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20Papers%202019.pdf.
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