Nov. 19 Honors Symposium Features Law Professor Speaking About Problems with Forensic Science

Michael Saks, a professor of law and psychology at the Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law at Arizona State University, will be at The University of Tampa on Wednesday, Nov. 19, to speak on Forensic Science: Its Problems are Our Problems as part of the University’s honors symposia series. The talk begins at 2 p.m. in the Trustee’s Board Room on the ninth floor of the Vaughn Center, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., and is free and open to the public.

During the lecture, Saks will discuss the problems with forensic science, including what causes these problems and their effects. He will also touch on future prospects for improvements in the forensic sciences, and their service to law and society.

According to Saks, forensic science errors are the leading cause of wrongful conviction, second only to eyewitness errors, and forensic science professionals have yet to establish either the validity of their approach or the accuracy of their conclusions. In addition, he argues that several forensic disciplines (voiceprints, comparative bullet lead analysis and major portions of arson investigation) are scientifically bankrupt.

Saks’ research focuses on empirical studies of the legal system, especially decision making, the behavior of the litigation system and the law’s use of science. He is the fourth most-cited law and social science scholar in the U.S., and has authored more than 200 articles and books. He teaches criminal law, evidence, law and science and property and torts at Arizona State University.

For more information, contact the Honors Program at (813) 257-3545.