Real Forensic Science Revealed

Many of you are hooked on the TV series, CSI, and other forensic-based TV forensic scienceshows.  For you, I have a great book recommendation.  The Poisoner’s Handbook, by Deborah Blum.  She shows how the real forensic science is revealed.

Blum goes through a variety of poisons: strychnine, mercury, arsenic, and even “bootleg gin,” and explains in great detail …

Ferguson–Can Cops be Held Responsible?

So many people are angry and confused at what’s happening with police officers whoFerguson kill citizens in the line of duty and don’t ever seem to be criminally charged.  Many people ask: As in Ferguson, can cops ever be held responsible for their actions?

Without getting into the politics of this issue, I want to look at the …

Can Minnesota Get Victor Barnard Back?

Alleged sex offender, Victor Barnard, has been captured in a beach resort in Brazil.  He had been living with a younger woman who apparently sheltered him in her home country.  Can law enforcement in Minnesota get Victor Barnard back here to face the music?victor Barnard

Let’s look at the allegations first.  Victor Barnard was a charismatic minister who led …

4 Things to Watch for in the Boston Bomber Trial

I’m sure you remember the tragic bombing at the Boston Marathon in 2013.  The man accused of plotting and participating with his brother toboston bomber execute the crime is named Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.  He is on trial now in Boston for the crime.  He faces the death penalty if convicted.  In trial his defense lawyer, Judy Clarke, dropped her own …

Is Downton Abbey Legally Accurate?

downton abbeyHow am I going to keep on living without Downton Abbey for the next 10 months??!!  The loss is painful—don’t you think?

Like so many others, I’m hooked and thought it’d be fun to write about it from an unusual perspective: is Downton Abbey legally accurate about their criminal scenes?

Remember, Mrs. Bates was accused of killing that …