In this episode, Professor Aliza Kaplan, director of the Criminal Justice Reform Clinic at Lewis & Clark Law School, returns to discuss the impact of implicit racial bias in forensic science. Drawing on her co-authored paper Perpetuating the Presumption of Guilt, Kaplan explains how unconscious bias can influence forensic technicians, prosecutors, and even jurors—leading to wrongful convictions, especially among people of color. She outlines key reform efforts, including the importance of independent crime labs and blind testing methods. Through compelling real-world examples and deep systemic insights, Kaplan highlights the urgent need to rethink how science is applied in the courtroom and how we can move toward a more just and equitable legal system.

Professor Aliza Kaplan joins the podcast to explore how implicit bias in forensic science contributes to wrongful convictions. Drawing from decades of experience in criminal justice reform, Kaplan discusses the systemic challenges, forensic science flaws, and the urgent need for unbiased, independent analysis in our legal system.
 

Dr. Shelby Hunter returns to discuss how common medical conditions like HIV, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease can impact cognitive functioning in forensic populations. She highlights practical strategies for clinicians and attorneys, drawing from her 2022 article to advocate for better assessment, care, and outcomes in criminal legal settings.
 

 

In this episode of Forensic Briefs, Dr. Shelby Hunter, a clinical neuropsychologist at Patton State Hospital, returns to explore the intersection of neuropsychological deficits and common medical conditions among individuals in the criminal legal system. She discusses how conditions like cardiovascular disease, HIV, hepatitis C, diabetes, and cancer can significantly impact cognitive functioning—often going undetected in forensic evaluations. Dr. Hunter shares insights from her 2022 article and highlights the importance of accurate screening, diagnosis, and education for better outcomes. This episode offers practical guidance for clinicians and attorneys alike, emphasizing the need for compassionate, informed care for a highly vulnerable population.
 
 

In this episode of Forensic Briefs, Dr. Elizabeth Jeglic, a leading expert on sexual violence prevention, breaks down the complex process of sexual grooming. She discusses her research on identifying red flags, the five stages of grooming, and how we can take proactive steps to prevent child sexual abuse. 

In this episode of Forensic Briefs, Dr. Dan Murrie discusses the growing competency crisis in the U.S. legal system. He explores the rising number of competency evaluations, delays in restoration services, and the systemic factors driving this issue, including mental health care gaps, homelessness, and evolving legal practices.