Beyond the “Who Done It…”–DNA Interpretation Given Activity Level Propositions

  • Workshop

Beyond the “Who Done It…”–DNA Interpretation Given Activity Level Propositions

  • September 22, 2024 //
  • 8:30 am -
  • 5:00 pm //
  • Grand Oaks Ballroom D-F

Description:

There are many misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding the interpretation of DNA evidence given activity level propositions. Yet questions at court often ask about hypothetical DNA transfers. Many people do not realize that by answering in any fashion, they are testifying about activity level propositions. Often these questions, while permissible in the legal arena, are answered in a manner contrary to best scientific practices. This workshop will demonstrate methods to interpret DNA evidence when questions about the evidence relate to what may have happened. These methods allow the expert to share knowledge using a scientifically sound framework and published practices.

 

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Assign a likelihood ratio for DNA evidence given activity level propositions.
  2. Do a case pre-assessment using the CAI framework.
  3. Use a Bayesian network as a tool for assigning probabilities given activity level propositions.
  4. Formulate activity level propositions in accordance with the ISFG 2020 recommendations.
  5. Understand the difference between Transfer-Persistence-Prevalence-Recovery (TPPR) and an activity level proposition.
  6. Testify on the evidence and not on what happened (i.e., avoid the transposed conditional).
  7. Handle hypothetical questions commonly asked in court.
  8. Recognize poorly worded questions and how to answer them in a scientifically correct manner.

 

Intended Audience:

No prerequisite knowledge required: an open mind is an asset. This workshop is designed to assist practitioners who regularly testify in court; however, the legal community will also find it of interest. Anyone who thinks “You can’t say what happened!” will benefit from this workshop.

Description:

There are many misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding the interpretation of DNA evidence given activity level propositions. Yet questions at court often ask about hypothetical DNA transfers. Many people do not realize that by answering in any fashion, they are testifying about activity level propositions. Often these questions, while permissible in the legal arena, are answered in a manner contrary to best scientific practices. This workshop will demonstrate methods to interpret DNA evidence when questions about the evidence relate to what may have happened. These methods allow the expert to share knowledge using a scientifically sound framework and published practices.

 

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Assign a likelihood ratio for DNA evidence given activity level propositions.
  2. Do a case pre-assessment using the CAI framework.
  3. Use a Bayesian network as a tool for assigning probabilities given activity level propositions.
  4. Formulate activity level propositions in accordance with the ISFG 2020 recommendations.
  5. Understand the difference between Transfer-Persistence-Prevalence-Recovery (TPPR) and an activity level proposition.
  6. Testify on the evidence and not on what happened (i.e., avoid the transposed conditional).
  7. Handle hypothetical questions commonly asked in court.
  8. Recognize poorly worded questions and how to answer them in a scientifically correct manner.

 

Intended Audience:

No prerequisite knowledge required: an open mind is an asset. This workshop is designed to assist practitioners who regularly testify in court; however, the legal community will also find it of interest. Anyone who thinks “You can’t say what happened!” will benefit from this workshop.

Pricing:


  • Standard Registration$345
  • Student Registration$195

Fee includes breakfast, lunch, breaks and materials.

  • Early Registration
  • $250.00
  • Standard Registration (after July 15)
  • $295.00
  • Student Registration$195.00
  • $195.00

Workshop currently at capacity. A waitlist is available to join on our registration page.

Brought to you by

Worldwide Association of Women Forensic Experts

Agenda:


8:30 – 8:45am
Opening Remarks
8:45 – 9:45am
Great Expectations – Tim Kalafut, Ph.D.
9:45 – 10:30am
ISFG Recommendations 2020 – Simone Gittelson, Ph.D.
10:30 – 10:45am
BREAK
10:45 – 11:10am
Probabilities and Reporting in Evaluative Testimony – Simone Gittelson, Ph.D.
11:10am – 12:00pm
What is the Likelihood of Explaining this Ratio? – Tim Kalafut, Ph.D.
12:00 – 12:15pm
Introduction to Bayesian Networks – Simone Gittelson, Ph.D.
12:15 – 1:15pm
LUNCH
1:15 – 1:45pm
Introduction to Case Pre-Assessment Exercise – Tim Kalafut, Ph.D.; Simone Gittelson, Ph.D.
1:45 – 2:45pm
Case Pre-Assessment Exercise: Part 1
2:45 – 3:00pm
BREAK
3:00 – 3:30pm
Case Pre-Assessment Exercise: Part 2
3:30 – 4:30pm
“But what does it mean?” How One Crime Lab is Embracing Evaluative Reporting Principles to Provide More Meaningful Expertise to the Court – Jon Millman, Ph.D.
4:30 – 5:00pm
Questions and Answers / Closing Remarks
Chair

Simone Gittelson

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Chair

Tim Kalafut

Associate Professor of Forensic Science, Sam Houston State University

Tim Kalafut is a recovering 20+ year lab practitioner that made the jump to the world of academia in 2020. He is currently teaching the next generation of forensic DNA examiners as they complete their masters and PhD level research projects at SHSU. His research interests are heavily involved in DNA interpretation, such as mixture interpretations of related persons, NGS mixtures, and the interpretations and limitations of DNA findings given activity level interpretations. He maintains an active presence in the practitioner world by way of case consulting and testimony and providing training and continuing education.

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