CSI Myths To Avoid (FightWrite™)
In our last round with FightWrite on the WD Blog, we looked at the CSI Effect and its impact on jurors, attorneys, and, most importantly, our readers. In this post, we will look at some common forensic evidence our CSI Effect affected readers expect to see and the myths associated with each. The truth hidden behind these myths may be what your work needs to get your character off the hook or maybe impaled by one.
(The CSI Effect (FightWrite™))
That said, before we continue, we must all agree that not only am I not your lawyer, I am not a lawyer at all. Like, not even a little. So, don’t think about committing a crime and dragging this article, or my book from which I take this info, to the stand because neither will stand in your defense. But both this article and my book—in which more info like this can be found—can sure tip the scales of justice to your manuscript’s favor.
OK, good, we may proceed. Ladies and gentlemen of the WD Blog reading jury, I will present you with some compelling writing today. I ask that you take heed of the validity of each. As well, though we are about to examine problematic issues associated with each of these pieces of forensic evidences, all are still considered valid evidence that may be used to prove innocence or guilt.
Myth 1: Forensic science is foolproof.
Any time I hear that something is foolproof, up pops a fool. And that’s absolutely the case when it comes to forensic science. Forensic evidence is any evidence obtained via a scientific method and science, by definition, is not exact. Science is a method of observation and experimentation to create theories. Theories may become facts, and facts can later be proven as just theories. Case in point, fingerprints.
Myth 2: Fingerprint evidence is 100 percent reliable.
There’s no proof that everyone has unique fingerprints. How could that even be proven? And it has absolutely been proven that two unrelated people can have very similar prints. All that said, fingerprints can be used as evidence in court despite having a margin of error up to a horrible 20 percent. Think about that: For every 100 convictions based on fingerprint evidence, as many as 20 of those fingerprints could have been misread. Also, there is no one standard for certifying one as a fingerprint expert. While one expert may consider five points of similarity between prints enough to declare two fingerprints a match, another may look for only three points.
Myth 3: Evidence is processed quickly.
Many forensic laboratories in the U.S. have a backlog of cases that go from months to over a year. New cases may be put in line behind them. Part of the reason for the overload in cases is because more jurors expect to see forensic evidence. So, even in crimes where such evidence is not necessary, it may need to be gathered just to satisfy a jury.
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Myth 4: DNA proves guilt or innocence.
DNA evidence only proves that a person was at the scene. It doesn’t prove why a person was at the site of the crime or if they were absolutely present when the crime occurred.
Myth 5: DNA helps identify and locate criminals.
This one can be true, but not in the way we see in the movies. DNA evidence only helps find criminals that have a DNA record in a database somewhere. There is no—I repeat—NO single database for DNA. You don’t just put DNA results into a computer and a person’s picture pops up on a screen.
The largest DNA database related to criminal activity is the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). However, CODIS stores no personal data, such as addresses, with its nearly eight million records. The largest overall DNA database is controlled by consumer DNA testing centers that help trace ethnicity and marker for health issues. More and more, folks are getting caught that way. So, if you’re a full-time criminal, you and your family better not try to find out anything about your ancestors.
Myth 6: You can always match a bullet to a firearm.
If the bullet is badly damaged or the firearm barrel has been altered after the bullet is fired, one can’t be matched to the other. However, with a bullet intact and a firearm in-hand, you can absolutely match rifling patterns. Now, does every single firearm create a unique firing pattern? That’s about as provable as everyone having unique fingerprints.
Myth 7: Evidence is placed in plastic bags.
My friend and fellow writer Lisa Gefrides is a former Forensic Biology Compliance Manager. She said that plastic bags are not ever used. They allow in light and trap moisture, both of which destroy evidence. Evidence is placed in paper bags. If the item is especially wet, it is placed in paper and can then be temporarily put into an open plastic bag. So, why do movies and TV shows put the evidence in clear plastic bags? So that we viewers can see it.
Myth 8: A single hair has enough DNA to link someone to a crime scene.
You need about 10 hairs for reliable genotyping, and each hair should be tested individually.
Myth 9: Blood glows under blue light.
Blood absorbs light which makes it show up, in some cases, almost black. Body fluids such as urine, saliva, semen, and sometimes hair and bone fluoresce under blue light. In order to make blood more visible, luminol may be used. Luminol glows when it comes into contact with an oxidizing agent such as the hemoglobin, an oxygen carrying protein, in blood. It will also glow from the oxidizing agents in bleach, some metals and horseradish. While luminol also makes other bodily fluids glow, they are body fluids that don’t require luminol to fluoresce.
All of these myths, and many more can be found in my new book Fight Write, Round Two: Crafting Chaos, Combat and Crime. Check it out wherever you buy books. Or, just get it for free through this post. This writing is my four-year anniversary with the WD Blog, how the time does fly. To celebrate, I will be giving away a signed copy, or free 30-minute Zoom mentor session, to one of you good readers. It’s my way of saying thank you for your support not only on this blog, but my WD book, FightWrite blog, classes with WD University and my WD conference classes as well. I appreciate you all very much.
For the giveaway, go to https://www.fightwrite.net/contact/ and write on the contact form, “Koalas have human fingerprints.” That will not only enter you into the drawing but also make you aware of the reality of koalas. Their fingerprints are remarkably similar to that of humans. Who knows how many crimes they have committed and gotten away with! The drawing ends October 24 and will be announced in my November post. So, on your marks, get set, go fill out the contact form!
Until the next round with FightWrite on the WD Blog, get blood on your pages. And never trust a koala.
Struggling to choose a fighting style for your character? The struggle is over. The way your character does battle isn’t up to you. It’s up to the story. The time and place of the work, the society in which your character lives, their inherent and fostered traits and the needs of the story will determine how your character responds to aggression.