Forensic Science Errors and Wrongful Convictions: Case Studies and Root Causes provides a rigorous and detailed examination of two key issues: the continuing problem of wrongful convictions and the role of forensic science in these miscarriages of justice. This comprehensive textbook covers the full breadth of the topic. It looks at each type of evidence, historical factors, system issues, organizational factors, and individual examiners. Forensic science errors may arise at any time from crime scene to courtroom. Probative evidence may be overlooked at the scene of a crime, or the chain of custody may be compromised. Police investigators may misuse or ignore forensic evidence. A poorly-trained examiner may not apply the accepted standards of the discipline or may make unsound interpretations that exceed the limits of generally accepted scientific knowledge. In the courtroom, the forensic scientist may testify outside the standards of the discipline or fail to present exculpatory results. Prosecutors may suppress or mischaracterize evidence, and judges may admit testimony that does not conform to rules of evidence. All too often, the accused will not be afforded an adequate defense—especially given the technical complexities of forensic evidence. These issues do not arise in a vacuum; they result from system issues that are discernable and can be ameliorated. Author John Morgan provides a thorough discussion of the policy, practice, and technical aspects of forensic science errors from a root-cause, scientific analysis perspective. Readers will learn to analyze common issues across cases and jurisdictions, perform basic root cause analysis, and develop systemic reforms. The reader is encouraged to assess cases and issues without regard to preconceived views or prejudicial language. As such, the book reinforces the need to obtain a clear understanding of errors to properly develop a set of effective scientific, procedural, and policy reforms to reduce wrongful convictions and improve forensic integrity and reliability. Written in a format and style accessible to a broad audience, Forensic Science Errors and Wrongful Convictions presents a thorough analysis across all of these issues, supported by detailed case studies and a clear understanding of the scientific basis of the forensic disciplines.

BackgroundSubstantial policy, communication and operational gaps exist between mental health services and the police for individuals with enduring mental health needs.AimsTo map and cost pathways through mental health and police services, and to model the cost impact of implementing key policy recommendations.MethodWithin a case-linkage study, we estimated 1-year individual-level healthcare and policing costs. Using decision modelling, we then estimated the potential impact on costs of three recommended service enhancements: street triage, Mental Health Act assessments for all Section 136 detainees and outreach custody link workers.ResultsUnder current care, average 1-year mental health and police costs were £10 812 and £4552 per individual respectively (n = 55). The cost per police incident was £522. Models suggested that each service enhancement would alter per incident costs by between −8% and +6%.ConclusionsRecommended enhancements to care pathways only marginally increase individual-level costs.

Background: Existing research identified substantial gaps between NHS mental health services and the criminal justice system for individuals with enduring moderate to severe mental health needs (EMHN). A pilot study in Cornwall echoed these findings, identifying deficiencies in provision at the interface of police and mental health services. Aim: To explore the interagency management of individuals with EMHN as they come into contact with the police. Design: A mixed-methods approach within a community psychology framework to enhance the implementation of findings. Stage 1: policy review and clinical audit to identify a sample of mental health service users who were in contact with the police. Stage 2: case-linkage study of 80 service user journeys through services at the time of three types of police contact (Section 136 detention; arrest for criminal offence and contact that did not result in detention); and a health economics component including analysis of the actual cost of 55 service user journeys and enhanced service scenarios. Stage 3: local stakeholder consultation to validate and contextualise case-linkage findings, including a national event. Setting: The research site was the county of Cornwall within the organisational contexts of Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Devon & Cornwall Police. Sample: Proportionate stratified random sampling identified a sample of 80 cases examined in the case-linkage study from the 538 linked cases identified by the clinical audit. Data sources: Case-linkage and health economics data involved individuals’ police and mental health records; stakeholder consultation data involved focus groups and interviews. Results: Of the sample of 80 cases examined, 23 individuals had been detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act (1983: Great Britain. Mental Health Act 1983. Chapter 20. London: The Stationery Office; 1983) (accounting for 32 detentions), 52 had been detained in custody on suspicion of an offence (accounting for 126 arrests) and 15 had non-detention contact with the police. Findings showed that where police were aware of mental health needs and individuals were on caseload of a Mental Health Team, there was increased interaction and enhanced outcomes for service users and organisations. The health economics scenario modelling suggests that enhancing services has minimal effects on individual level costs compared with current practice. Conclusions: The research revealed discrepancy in police and mental health professionals’ assessment of risk and interpretation of protocol and highlighted the need for joint interagency protocols and training to improve information sharing between agencies to enhance the management of individuals with enduring moderate to severe mental health needs. Funding: The National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.

Sulfide minerals from the El Salvador porphyry Cu-Mo deposit, Chile, were dated by Re-Os geochronology to clarify the timing and duration of mineralization. As these data are collected over the past 10 years, they chronicle the evolution of Re-Os analytical procedures and improvements in spike-sample equilibration, mass spectrometry and data reduction. Included in the data is the first tennantite-pyrite Re-Os isochron along with tennantite-enargite-pyrite Os tracing of ore metals based on initial osmium systematics (Os-187/Os-188(i)). Porphyry-associated mineralization follows the traditional early (A), transitional (B), and late (D) stage classification of relative timing of vein formation. Most Cu- and Mo-bearing sulfides were deposited during stages A and B. Field relationships clearly show the B-stage veins are older than the D-stage veins. Samples analyzed with Carius tube digestion and mixed-double spike indicate B-stage molybdenite mineralization between 41.8 and 41.2 Ma. These ages best represent the timing of main-stage mineralization at El Salvador. A five-point Re-187-Os-187 isochron for pyrite-tennantite from the latest D-stage veins yields an age of 42.37 +/- 0.45 Ma. The isochron age, while older, is within error of early analyses of molybdenite by alkaline fusion digestion using single Re and Os spikes (42.4-42.0 Ma). A separate pyrite and tennantite-enargite pair containing significant common Os yields an initial Os-187/Os-188 ratio of 0.134 +/- 0.042, compatible with a predominantly mantle origin. We appreciate the early analyses for their historical significance while emphasize the geological implications of the 41.8-41.2 Ma molybdenite ages. Temperature estimates by sulfur thermometry and fluid inclusions are 390-510 degrees C for the B-stage molybdenites and 230-240 degrees C for the latest D-stage pyrite and tennantite.Analyses based on Carius tube digestion and updated spike calibrations suggest a similar to 0.6 m.y. duration (similar to 41.8 to 41.2 Ma) in-line with published deposit geochronology. The timing and duration of mineralization from Re-Os dating of ore minerals is more precise than estimates from previously reported Ar-40/Ar-39 and K-Ar ages on alteration minerals. The Re-Os results suggest that the mineralization is temporally distinct from pre-mineral rhyolite porphyry (42.63 +/- 0.28 Ma) and is immediately prior to or overlapping with post-mineral latite dike emplacement (41.16 +/- 0.48 Ma).Based on the Re-Os and other geochronologic data, the Middle Eocene intrusive activity in the El Salvador district is divided into three pulses: (1) 44-42.5 Ma for weakly mineralized porphyry intrusions, (2) 41.8-41.2 Ma for intensely mineralized porphyry intrusions, and (3) similar to 41 Ma for small latite dike intrusions without major porphyry stocks. The orientation of igneous dikes and porphyry stocks changed from NNE-SSW during the first pulse to WNW-ESE for the second and third pulses. This implies that the WNW-ESE striking stress changed from sigma(3) (minimum principal compressive stress) during the first pulse to sigma(Hmax) (maximum principal compressional stress in a horizontal plane) during the second and third pulses. Therefore, the focus of intense porphyry Cu-Mo mineralization occurred during a transient geodynamic reconfiguration just before extinction of major intrusive activity in the region. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

'Teaching Geography as if the Planet Matters provides a timely outline of powerful knowledge and arguments that will be needed to counter a strengthening of current curriculum orthodoxies. Not until school geography undergoes the revolution that this book outlines can it honestly claim to be contributing to more sustainable futures.' - John Huckle, Visiting Fellow at the University of York and was formerly Principal Lecturer in Educaton at De Montfort University. We are surrounded by images and warnings of impending environmental disaster. Climate change, famine, population growth and urban crisis coupled with more recent financial chaos all threaten our sense of what it will be like to live in the future. This thought-provoking text looks at how Geography teachers can develop approaches to curriculum and learning which help students understand the nature of the contemporary world. It sets out a model for teaching and learning that allows teachers to examine existing approaches to teaching and draw upon the insights of geography as a discipline to deepen students' understanding of urban futures, climate change, 'geographies of food' and the 'geographies of the credit crunch'. Features include: examples of suggested teaching activities questions and activities for further study detailed case studies sources of further reading and information The true worth of a school subject is revealed in how far it can account for and respond to the major issues of the time. The issue of the environment cuts across subject boundaries and requires an interdisciplinary response. Geography teachers are part of that response and they have a crucial role in helping students to respond to environmental issues and representations.