Conclusion Post

This is, or may be the last post for my blog. Being the fact that the summer semester is over. This class was a fun and very interactive class, to be an English class. The discussions were interesting and people raelly stated how they really felt. The theme for the class was "EDENTITY", creating and being aware of our on-line identity. I liked it because it was different. but I also struggled with the simplest tasks, like writing blogs. At first, I thought like, "Oh, this is going to be fun!" Don't get me wrong it was fun but it also became a challenge because I did not feel comfortable putting my feelings out to the "world" to see. I didn't know who would be reading my post and judging me.
I also struggled with the essays. I'm a very straight forward person. but my experience in this class made me realize it's going to take way more to get the job done. I've heard plenty of people I asked for feedback on my writings, and I would explain to them the assignments and how I just felt they were impossible. But i did the best I could do. But overall, this class was a learning experience for me.

Argumentative Essay (MWA 3)

Ahimsa Butler

Professor goff

July 26^th

In this day and age, there is a huge amount of crime. We, as a society, are satisfied when a crime is committed and the suspect is put behind bars. Forensic scientists and their analysis help fulfill this process. Although these analysis play a major role in convictions, in some cases, influential and bias mistakes can occur from an examiner not taking the proper scientific approach. Because of this, forensic science isn’t reliable.

Some may disagree with forensics being unreliable, because of what the media displays about the forensic world and proof shown to them why the results are accurate. Some may even believe forensics is reliable because we believe it is the forensic scientists' moral obligation, while performing their job as well as being properly trained and responsible to bring forth accurate results. The truth is, based on research, a lot of influences may interfere with an accurate analysis leading to wrongful convictions. In this paper I will give examples of why forensics isn’t reliable and provide cases and examples to prove the information.

Forensic analysis are gained by a process, in which a forensic scientist is subject to give his/or her opinion. The opinion is given after comparing evidence and samples found in a crime scene and matching it to the correct suspect, and then is used as liable evidence to convict the suspect in a trial. In this case, an inaccurate analysis could be influenced by an examiners beliefs or judgments. Forensic scientists, as human beings, can become vulnerable to the function of the way they think. They may make criticized assumptions based on their beliefs, unknowingly. And according to one researcher, he explains how some forensic scientists may carry their preexisting beliefs from previous occupations in the criminal justice field.

Forensic scientists, who have been in the field for many years, may get comfortable performing the same procedures. Over time, short cuts are taken, leaving out very important steps in a case. These steps may seem unimportant at the time, but can make a vital difference in the outcome of the results and the case.

They may make a judgment based on previous cases. Getting too comfortable in a position, causes unjust results. A scientist who feels one case is just like another one, based on several similarities, will submit false results. The omitted steps could definitely be a deciding factor in the case.

Another reason is contamination. In a crime scene investigation, there are a

number of people working with the evidence found. What is important to one group, may not seem important to another. This could cause the evidence to no longer be legit, if not handled properly.

Another influence brought to attention is, the monopoly that exists in the forensic field. The monopoly, according to Roger Koppi, Professor of Economics Finance, each laboratory belongs to a specific law enforcement agency. Forensic scientists work with attorneys and police officers to solve a case. Many cases have been reviewed and evidence has been found that police officers or attorneys may play a role in convincing a forensic scientist to bring forth false information. As forensic scientists working with law enforcement, researchers believe, when interaction among the two occurs, additional information may be given to the forensic scientist, causing the examiner to gain a biased analysis.

This information found outside of the laboratory, researchers say is irrelevant to any case, if it is used to gain an analysis, because it is not a part of the procedural process the forensic scientists are to perform. In addition to working with law enforcement, an examiner depends on them for pay, raises, and evaluations. This can lead forensic scientists to, knowingly, commit to biased mistakes or even tamper with evidence because of them being dependent on their co-workers, similar to peer pressure. Multiple suspects have been wrongfully convicted because of tampering.

Along with tampering, forensic scientists may even go to the extent of hiding data or withhold information that may have a big significance to the case. According to the Virginia Law Review, many cases that were reviewed, involved failing to submit information that would clear a suspect. In the case of “State of Louisiana v. Gene Bibbins”:

“In Gene Bibbins’s case, Annie Michelli of the Baton Rouge City

Police had testified at trial that any comparison between Bibbins’s

fingerprints and a latent print found on the window at the crime

scene was inconclusive, explaining that When asked, “Did you

double-check your conclusion with the state crime lab?” and,

“Did they have the same results?” she answered to both questions,

“Yes, Ma’am.” That testimony was false; the state crime lab’s finding

and report had excluded Bibbins. The district court in

a civil rights lawsuit filed by Bibbins denied Michelli’s motion.

Michelli’s testimony at Bibbins trial was that she was unable to

identify Bibbins as a match to the fingerprint sample. Michelli

also testified that she double checked her results. However, it is undisputed that a Louisiana state police crime lab report made

by Sybil Guidry showed a contrary result. Guidry’s findings excluded Bibbins as a match,” ( "Virginia Law Review(2009): 1-97).

Last but not least, Education may play a role in mistakes occurring. Researchers say, a forensic scientist may not be fully educated or experienced in the forensic field. With down-sizing and cut backs, many occupations are hiring younger, inexperienced employees for less pay. These newer employees may not know the importance of following procedures and not taking short cuts. Or, they may not feel the need to double check their work, or to let someone else review their findings.

If blind testing, where outside information and influences are not allowed, were made mandatory for criminal cases, I feel there would be less false convictions in our judicial system.

Works Cited

Budowle, Bruce, et al. "A Perspective on Errors, Bias, and Interpretation in the Forensic Sciences and Direction for Continuing Advancement*." Journal of Forensic Sciences 54.4 (2009): 798-809.

Garrett, Brandon L., and Peter J. Neufeld. "Invalid forensic science testimony and wrongful convictions."Virginia Law Review(2009): 1-97.

Kassin, Saul M., Itiel E. Dror, and Jeff Kukucka. "The forensic confirmation bias: Problems, perspectives, and proposed solutions." Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition 2.1 (2013): 42-52.

Koppl, Roger. "How to improve forensic science." European Journal of Law and Economics 20.3 (2005): 255-286.

Miller, Larry S. "Procedural bias in forensic science examinations of human hair." Law and Human Behavior 11.2 (1987): 157.

Saks, M. J., et al. "Context effects in forensic science: A review and application of the science of science to crime laboratory practice in the United States." Science & Justice 43.2 (2003): 77-90.

How it feels to win.... How it feels to lose..... (blog post 14)

Winning and losing are two different things. But when a competitive person winning is all that matters. When you've won, you may feel on top of the world but the reality of the matter is you cant win all the time. This used to be me. I would love to win and never knew what it felt like to lose. I felt unstoppable, until I lost for the first time. I felt so low as a person and my spirit was low. From that day on, I still play as a competitive person but I compete with my heart and not my pride. I also realized how much more fun sports became.

Good things about me (blog post 13)

Good things about me....
- I am caring.....
     I always treat people how I would want to be treated.
-I put myself in other people shoes...
     Before acting towards another person I put myself in someone else's shoes and wonder how I would feel      if it was me.
These two things pretty much sum up who I am. Other traits, of course positive, come right along with them.

In 20 Years....... (Blog post 12)

In 20 years I'd like to be very successful, and pursuing my career. I also would want to have seen my so go off to college and being a responsible adult by that time he would be 23. I would be a proud mother to have done my job as a successful single mother. Even though my son is my main concern ,and focus, like i said before I hope to finish college. I wont say what I'll be doing because it may change. But whatever I choose I want to be successful doing it.

best childhood memory (blog post 11)

The best child hood memory I can think of is being at my grandmother's house, as kids. All the cousins would play all sorts of games in her big yard. Especially when it got hot she had something similar to almost a couple of shade trees. we used to call it the "jungle". We would look for bugs. And we would just get lost in our imaginations. We were being kids.

Literature Review

Ahimsa Butler

Professor Goff

English 1010

July 18,2014

Errors in Forensic Science

In most criminal investigations, crimes are solved with the help of forensic scientists analyzing evidence from a crime scene, using scientific methods. Some of the procedures to an examination are more reliable than others. The analysis gained plays a huge role in criminal cases, which sometimes can end in false convictions. The forensic scientist is responsible for accurate results. But forensic scientists are humans and are capable of making mistakes. As a forensic scientist bias analysis can occur from many possibilities. So the question is, how reliable are analysis, when bias mistakes and errors can occur? The purpose of this paper is to bring forward the views and the influences that can cause errors to occur and the solutions that can help eliminate the mistakes.

As a forensic scientist, it is their responsibility to use their best judgment when concluding an analysis for a case. These analyses play a huge role in criminal cases and the forensic scientist is responsible for accurate results. The examiner will also act as a witness to a case to help find possible suspects, often in times, resulting in an arrest and or drastic consequences such as life in jail or even the death penalty.. As a forensic scientist bias analysis can occur from the outside world influences and beliefs. In some cases, bias analysis or even tampered evidence have resulted in false convictions.

In researching I have found there are many influential errors that can occur, some are just honest mistakes. Forensic scientists being human beings, researchers have found that this reason may be one of the highest influences to can lead to mistakes in an analysis.

Forensic scientists, as human beings, can become vulnerable to the function of the way they think. They may make criticized assumptions based on their beliefs, unknowingly. And according to one researcher, he explains how some forensic scientists may carry their preexisting beliefs from previous occupations in the criminal justice field.

Another influence bought to attention is, the monopoly that exists in the forensic field. The monopoly according to Roger Koppi, Professor of Economics Finance, each laboratory belongs to a specific law enforcement agency. When solving a case, forensic scientists may work with law enforcement or FBI agents to further the process to solve the case.

Due to this process, many errors occur unintentionally as well as intentional. As forensic scientists working with law enforcement, researchers believe when interaction among the two occurs, additional information may be given to the forensic scientist, causing the examiner to gain a biased analysis.

This information found outside of the laboratory, researchers say is irrelevant to any case, if it is used to gain an analysis because it is not apart of the procedural process the forensic scientists are to perform. In addition to working with law enforcement, an examiner depends on them for pay, raises, and evaluations. This can lead forensic scientists to, knowingly, commit to biased mistakes or even tamper with evidence because of them being dependent on their co-workers, similar to peer pressure.

According to multiple researchers, there are solutions to each of these influences to eliminate bias and criticism from occurring in analysis. One suggestion, pertaining to the monopoly, would be to break it. Break the monopoly by separating the laboratories from the law enforcement and FBI agencies. The separation would give the laboratories competition and eliminate the forensic scientist day-to-day interactions with other occupations within the justice field. Each laboratory would be concerned with the science itself, within the forensic field. Each laboratory would do evaluations on each other. This would give room for forensic scientists to improve their skills and aware of the mistakes.

Another solution proposed would be to perform “blind testing.” In this process the examiner would perform the procedures without any additional information about a case or without making any assumptions based on previous cases. And the gained analysis should be followed by a second blind test. A legit forensic scientist should evaluate the second blind test.

Other solutions would be to add or create advanced technology to review a forensic scientist analysis, or the other way around. The solution would eliminate human vulnerabilities and criticism from interfering with gaining an analysis. Along with eliminating biased mistakes occurring, researchers say, this should be apart of the curriculum to future forensic scientists. They should integrate classes with the concept of thinking pass making biased decisions.

I have explained the problems that can influence or cause error in analyses and the solutions proposed to eliminate them from occurring. Forensic scientists may be our only source to analyzing evidence to help solve a case. But the problems surrounding mistakes to occur, based on judgments or day to day influences, have solutions. In conclusion, Forensic science could use some improvement.

Works Cited

Budowle, Bruce, et al. "A Perspective on Errors, Bias, and Interpretation in the Forensic Sciences and Direction for Continuing Advancement*." Journal of Forensic Sciences 54.4 (2009): 798-809.

Kassin, Saul M., Itiel E. Dror, and Jeff Kukucka. "The forensic confirmation bias: Problems, perspectives, and proposed solutions." Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition 2.1 (2013): 42-52.

Koppl, Roger. "How to improve forensic science." European Journal of Law and Economics 20.3 (2005): 255-286.

Miller, Larry S. "Procedural bias in forensic science examinations of human hair." Law and Human Behavior 11.2 (1987): 157.

Saks, M. J., et al. "Context effects in forensic science: A review and application of the science of science to crime laboratory practice in the United States." Science & Justice 43.2 (2003): 77-90.

The most amazing thing I've seen... (Blog post 10)

I've seen a lot of great things so far in life. By great, I mean seeing nice things done for people in need or just people in general.
   I always given to people standing on the corner or if my heart tells me to give. But I had got to a point where I would feel that I shouldn't give because they might use the money for wrong.
      So with that being said, the most amazing thing I've seen was my brother giving to a man. I took one look and judged him. And I fussed at my brother because he have his last and then asked me to borrow money for his swimming trunks. I let it go and just bought them for him. I figured he would learn or next time think about the decisions he makes.
    As we were walking to the register it was the same man barefoot in the store . He was buying shoes with the ten dollars my brother had have him. As he paid for the shoes he gave my brother the look of a genuine thanks. It almost brought tears to my eyes and from that day on I give even if I don't really have much to give. And just hope they will use it for good.

Blog post 8

My full name and how it was decided.....
    My full name is Ahimsa Irene Butler. My first name was chosen by my dad. He heard the name overseas while in the military. It means nonviolence. My middle name was chosen from a line of relatives in our family. It was my great grandmothers name, my grandmother's and my cousin. And of course my last name is a must.
     Growing up I used to hate my name because people would call me "hamster" or call me a "butler" (like I was a maid)..... But as a child I didn't understand at the time the importance and value of being unique and what it meant to be your own person. But after realizing it's who I am, I am proud of my name. NO one else has it.

Media Free Week (In class week 6)

This blog is about what i would do if i had to participate in a media free week. The week would consist of no technology for a week.

           If i had to go with out technology or anything with a screen, I would know how to survive without it, but I don't know how long it would be before i break. For the week, I would not only have to entertain myself, but my son as well. So, i feel this week would not be that successful.

Argument essay first thesis attempt

Summer english 1010 is coming to an end., and our last major writing assignment is an argument essay. My topic is forensic science. I've decided to argue that forensic science isn't completely reliable. In this blog I will attempt to write thesis for my argument essay.
                    In today, forensic science is being surrounded with the media and entertainment. When a suspect is found guilty and put behind bars, we as people, are at peace. But what if I were to tell you forensic science is not completely reliable.

Advocate (In Class Writing week 5)

If I had the time to advocate a group, I would choose single mothers on welfare. Listening to our discussion in class, I've realized that this group of people could use some help, advice, and skills. I myself am a single mother on welfare, but i want more for myself and my child. I am also attending school faithfully to someday get off of welfare and provide for my child.
I feel that some single mothers don't understand that government is temporary. But as a single mother on welfare I am too looked at just like any other single mother having so many kids and want to live on assistance for the rest of their life. But I feel as being an advocate things could change. And change the way the think and live.

Simplify writing (Journal entry 9)

Simplifying writing
Today in class we discussed simplifying our writing. Notes on this topic explain that wordiness can make the point of the sentence not understandable. In reflection to my own writing, I've realized I do this a lot. I write my sentences thinking my point will be understood, but when someone reads my writing, they do not know what i'm saying.

In class we were assigned to simplify sentences:
-He dropped school to support his family.
-The bus company will announce the new schedule within a couple of days.
- There are many ways for a student to meet foreign students.
-Many people have lied on purpose.
-Disobeying rules can lead to trouble.
-A campus rally was interrupted with arrest for disorderly conduct and having no permit.
-College freshman should contact an academic advisor in regards to their major.
-The students considered classes that would be useful after college.

See All Sides (journal entry 6)

The purpose of this journal is to give all the sides and debates of my topic. The topic I have chosen is bias analysis in forensic science. Here is a list of the debates concerning biased analysis:

-How the errors occur?
-What influences the errors?
-how reliable is the analysis if errors can occur?
-What is being reinforced to eliminate errors?
-Can police tamper with analysis?
-What can be done in the near future to train examinees to complete an analysis without being biased?

In Class Writing (week 4)

First attempt to write a thesis for my topic:

The topic of this paper is to bring forward the views, the influences, the consequences, of intentional and unintentional biased analysis in the forensic science field, and the solutions to them.

The Bounty Of The Sea ( In class writing week 3)

This essay basically explains in a timeline how the filthiness of the ocean can wipe out the marine life and eventually destruct mankind. He describes how the oceans are being destroyed by landfills. This would kill marine life. The lack of marine life would eliminate evaporation causing the polar icecaps to melt. The melted ice would flood half the world. This would cause everyone to migrate to one area with drylands having less oxygen and food would kill all mankind.

Annotated Bibliography

Ahimsa Butler

Professor Goff

English 1010

7 July 2014

Forensic Science: Biased analysis and their solutions

Budowle, Bruce, et al. "A Perspective On Errors, Bias, And Interpretation In The Forensic Sciences And Direction For Continuing Advancement."Journal Of Forensic Sciences (Wiley- Blackwell) 54.4 (2009): 798-809. Academic Search Premier. Web. 5 July 2014.

This article is from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences peer reviewed journal. In the article the author explores many causes of errors caused by biased judgments and the need for improvement. He goes on to state that forensic scientists fail from human vulnerabilities, and this results in inaccurate, biased analysis, and sometimes these errors are overlooked. Bias and criticism will sometimes lead forensic scientist to purposely or accidentally make false accusations. It can also taint their liability.

The author states that some action should be taken and procedures should be reinforced to minimize biased mistakes and false convictions. Error rates should be specified. And, qualified experts should be required to review analysis to approve the findings or results. He also proposes that education and training should stress the nature of being biased.

Kassin, Saul M., Itiel E. Dror, and Jeff Kukucka. "The forensic confirmation bias: Problems, perspectives, and proposed solutions."Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition 2.1 (2013): 42-52.

This article explains how forensic examiners results convicted an innocent man. The findings resulted from biased and preexisting beliefs. This lab has the best, highly trained examiners in the world, how could this mistake be possible. Many innocent people have been falsely convicted, and improving technology has proved this.

The author states what should be done in order to limit these biased errors. The writer explains that examiners should not assume the crime scene based on previous findings. Instead examine all information with certain procedures to get accurate results. He also says that the examiners should not be exposed to certain or irrelevant information about the case and the results should be verified by a second examiner with the same procedures.

Koppl, Roger. "How to improve forensic science."European Journal of Law and Economics” 20.3 (2005): 255-286.

This article is written by Roger Koppi, Professor of Economics and Finance, and it appeared in the European Journal of Law and Economics. He states the problem is the forensic labs are a monopoly. This monopoly includes law enforcement and lack of competition.

Most of the forensic work is performed in police labs, and some forensic examiners are previous police officers, and this can also bring bias into forensic science. The author explains how biased results can also be almost like pure pressure, being that the forensic scientist depend on the law enforcement for pay and evaluations.

The author suggests the solution to the problem would be to break the monopoly and add competition. The competition would prove “pure science”. The labs should become independent instead of depending on law enforcement. These solutions would reduce biased and inaccurate results.

Miller, Larry S. "Procedural bias in forensic science examinations of human hair."Law and Human Behavior”11.2 (1987): 157.

This article written by Larry S. Miller, appeared in the Law and Human behavior Journal. The author focuses on the fact that forensic examiners are subject to give their opinions of the concluded results. He gives an example of the analysis of hair examinations are subject to the opinion of an examiner. The author hypothesizes that examiners bias findings can occur from social interaction among police and attorneys. In order to test this hypothesis he preforms an experiment with examiners that analyze hair samples. He sets a line up of suspects and hair samples with the same characteristics.

After He looks over the results he concludes there is a huge amount of unintentional biased analysis. The results were influenced by the additional information received about the suspects and also the overlooked similarities. He says how it is difficult to control presumptions, and based on his experiment, he suggests that police should present more than one hair sample and different types of suspects.

Saks, M. J., et al. "Context effects in forensic science: A review and application of the science of science to crime laboratory practice in the United States."Science & Justice”43.2 (2003): 77-90.

This article explores how being a forensic science technician over time can lead to biased analysis. It states that over time the technicians may adapt so much to the field that there jobs become second nature. It explains how their previous cases and work can influence an observation for a new analysis, and also how different circumstances can lead to biased results.

The writer goes on to say that this article is written to open examiners eyes to the many possibilities and be aware of the mistakes that can occur. The writer also proposes suggestions that can eliminate biased errors from occurring. One suggestion is “blind testing”, where scientists preform their procedures without any outside information so their results are not influenced by this information. And last, he suggest that a solution would be to minimize the human observation procedures and add more technology.

(E)DENTITY: Public Displays Of Connection (week 4)

In class discussion was about comparing our social network connections. The questions we answered in our discussion were how many friends do we have? And to break down strong and weak ties.
My social networks altogether would be about 4,000 connections. Most are family, some are friends, and some are mutual friends. I also have friends that have migrated with my profiles from site to site.

Journal Entry 5

My favorite season is Summer. Summer brings happiness and families together. During summer I love to spend time with my family. We have barbecues, we have get-togethers, and parties. Its nice to see my family getting along and having a nice time. I also like take my son swimming, and now that he's 3 its fun to introduce him to my favorite summer activities. I've taught him how to make lemonade, We've planted plants, we play jumprope and hopscotch. I guess I've taught him everything I enjoy doing.
           

Who Has Had A Strong Influence in My Life (Journal Entry 4)

My son has had a major influence on my life . I know he's only a child, but he has changed me drastically. He's made me realize what life is and what life is all about. I dropped out of high school, and never had intentions on going back. The moment I looked into my son's eyes for the first time, I immediately became motivated to give him the life I never had. My first step was getting back in school and getting my diploma. It was not easy and at times I wanted to give up or even sometimes thought it was impossible to finish. But my son was my motivation. Giving up was not apart of the plan. I received my diploma and two weeks later I was enrolled in Weber State University. I've learned to think twice. I now think about how my decisions would affect him and in what way, positive or negative. I now have different priorities. Everything that used to matter doesn't matter any more. He's now my main priority.
Being a parent is not so easy but I do plan to raise my child the best way possible. I want to be with him through every step and milestone. It amazes me how quick he learns new things, and how he is so eager to do things on his own.

In Class Writing Dawn Of The Digital (week 2)

       In the past week the only book I've read is our English book, Edentity. I have not read any print materials in a long time. But I can say I've done a lot of on screen reading. While being in English I've been assigned a research annotation, this has required me to do a huge amount of reading articles. I've also been on different blogs. But typically,  I'm usually on social networks reading comment posts, messages, and emails.

     Over time my reading habits have changed drastically. Id rather read in the computer, than read something in print. On-screen reading has been more convenient.

Why I Blog? (Journal Entry 2)

      Why do I blog?.... Honestly I've never blogged. The purpose of my blog is for my English course. I'm not quite yet understanding the purpose of writing blogs. I hope to share what I'm interested in with my readers and they understand where I'm coming from.

(E) DENTITY! (In class writing week 1)

Ten words that describe me are

Friendly, Adventurous, Free- spirited, Loving, Understanding, Responsible, Motivated, Mother, Responsible, Non judgemental

Short response:

  I am a friendly person. A very understanding, free-spririted person. Someone who is a responsible, loving, motivated, mother. A person who also enjoys being very adventurous.

Ten words that describes my online presence
Talkative, Interactive, Explorer, Share videos,Share Ideas, learn, Facebook, Instagram, Shop, Watch movies

Short Response:
     My online presence consists of being very interactive with my peers and family trough social networking, such as Facebook and Instagram. Also, on these social networks, I often share funny and interesting videos, pictures, and new ideas my family or peers would enjoy or learn something new. When I'm not being interactive on social networks, I like to spend time browsing for new ideas, explore information about places I've never been. and i also watch movies on Netflix.

Journal Entry 1

 This is my first official blog. The first day of English 1010 was interesting. Our professor informed the class that we would learning about "(E)dentities" and that we would have to write blogs. I instantly became nervous, I've never blogged. But I am excited to explore new things, so hopefully it turns out to be fun!

Introductory Post

My name is Ahimsa Butler, and this is my fourth semester in college. I am majoring in medical lab science. This blog is for my English 1010 course.

                  Welcome To My Blog