At the suggestion of the OPAA Training Committee, this seminar will focus on various forensic topics, from anthropology to blood spatter evidence. Our faculty are all highly qualified in their professional fields and also have extensive experience in preparing and presenting evidence in criminal cases. They will use their experience in recent cases to demonstrate the scientific techniques involved. They also have recommendations about how to select experts and how to evaluate defense experts. In addition, we will be discussing prosecution of DUI cases and have a review of Rule 404(B) on similar acts.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

9:00 - 10:00 Registration and Continental Breakfast

10:00 - 11:00 Anatomy Of The Lie; Body Language And Gestures
Most "communication" with another person has little to do with the actual words. Rather, it is the manner in which the words are stated, the tone accompanying the statement, the physical gestures accompanying the words, and so on that add meaning to the subjective content of the spoken word. A sense of understanding relative to the meaning behind the words will help us to become better "listeners and viewers " of such communication.
William D. Evans, II
Poly-Tech Associates, Inc.
Akron, Ohio

11:00 - 11:15 Break

11:15 - 12:15 Polygraph
The polygraph can greatly assist in the effective resolution of cases clogging our courts' dockets. An overview of stipulated and investigative testing will provide those in attendance with a good understanding of the procedural and physiological aspects relative to polygraph testing. Having examined for several prosecutors' offices and police departments (presently and over the years), it is clear that such testing can effectively assist in the pursuit of justice and resolution to cases at any level in the justice system.
William D. Evans, II
Poly-Tech Associates, Inc.
Akron, Ohio

12:15 - 1:15 Lunch

1:15 - 2:45 The Role Of Forensic Anthropology In Death Investigation And Prosecutions
This seminar will provide an overview of the anthropological techniques used to recognize and positively identify otherwise unidentifiable human remains (skeletonized, burned, decomposed, fragmented and fresh). Topics to be covered, using case studies, include: distinguishing human from non-human and historic/ancient from recent, and the role of the biographic profile (sex, age, ancestry, stature, health history, activity markers, etc. as recorded on the skeleton) in narrowing the field to facilitate obtaining the antemortem comparative information required for a positive identification (antemortem dental/medical radiographs, DNA profiles, latent or recorded fingerprints, etc). The legal and humanitarian consequences of mis- or non-identifications will be demonstrated, using examples ranging from a serial murder series on through transportation accidents and other multiple fatality incidents.
Frank P. Saul, PhD, DABFA, RFAAFS and Julie M. Saul, FAAFS Forensic Anthropologists
Lucas County Coroner's Office, Toledo
Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office, Detroit
FBI Evidence Response Team, Cleveland
US DHHS/NOMS Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DORT)

2:45 - 3:00 Break

3:00 - 4:30 The Role Of Forensic Anthropology In Death Investigation And Prosecutions, continued

Friday, September 14, 2007

8:00 - 9:00 Registration and Continental Breakfast

9:00 - 10:30 Bone As Evidence: The Use Of Bone In A Court Of Law"
It has been said that bone represents a "Moment Frozen in Time" since it is evidence that is easily demonstrable and visible if retained or documented from autopsy. This presentation will examine the "bone potential" of evidence in violent deaths. Examples of sharp, blunt force, ballistic, burning, and healing bone trauma will be demonstrated using case studies that illustrate the potential of bone as evidence.
Steven A. Symes, PhD, DABA Department of Applied Forensic Sciences
Mercyhurst Archaeological Institute
Mercyhurst College
Erie, Pennsylvania

10:30 - 10:45 Break

10:45 - 12:15 Bloodstain Pattern Analysis in Violent Crimes
The value of bloodstained evidence is, too often, only considered in terms of the serological identifying characteristics such as the blood type and DNA patterns. Bloodstain pattern analysis adds another dimension to the information left at the scene of a crime. By analyzing the physical pattern of the bloodstains, additional information such as: how the crime was conducted, who was or was not present and even positioning of the individuals involved in the crime. This presentation will provide some basic principles of bloodstain pattern interpretation. Case studies will be used to demonstrate the various types of information that can be developed from bloodstain pattern analysis, and how the information is applied to the judicial process.
T. Paulette Sutton, MS, MT (ASCP),
CLS Consultant - Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Associate Professor, University of Tennessee
Memphis, Tennessee

12:15 - 1:15 Lunch

1:15 - 2:15 Ohio's DUI Laws, Targeting The Repeat DUI Offender
There have been repeated cases where repeat DUI offenders are arrested driving drunk while driving with suspended licenses. Ohio has recently enacted laws that target the repeat DUI offenders. Why is the repeat DUI offender a menace to our highways? What laws have been enacted by the Ohio legislature to imprison the DUI offender? Whatroadblocks have prosecutors had to enforce these new laws? This seminar will explore the problem of repeat DUI offenders, new legislation that was enacted specifically to target repeat DUI offenders and case law interpreting this legislation. Prosecutors will be given practical tips on how to prove these cases and to understand the DUI statute that is one of the most complicated statutes in the Revised Code. Prosecutors will also understand the different sentencing provisions included in this statute.
Philip Bogdanoff
Assistant Prosecutor
Summit County, Ohio

2:15 - 2:30 Break

2:30 - 3:30 The Myth And Reality Of 404(B); An Approach To Other Act Evidence
This presentation will explore misconceptions regarding Rule 404(b), and suggest an analytical approach for obtaining admission of other-act evidence.
Timothy A. Baughman
Chief Appellate Attorney
Wayne County Prosecutor's Office
Detroit, Michigan

OPAA HAS APPLIED FOR 10.00 HOURS OF CLE TRAINING.

Guest rooms at the Wyndham are $125.00 single or double occupancy. Call the Wyndham at 216-615-7500 or 800-996-3426 to make reservations. Be sure to tell them you are with OPAA to receive this rate. Our hold on rooms expires on August 24th.

The registration fee of $200.00 covers all handout materials, continental breakfast, and lunch both days, and refreshments at breaks. The fee for one day only is $125.00. Due to the expense of producing the training manual, which requires an early commitment, a $45.00 penalty will apply to all cancellations made through September 7th, and a manual will be sent to the registrant. To help defray the cost of food guarantees, cancellations after September 7th will be assessed a penalty of $110.00 if scheduled to attend both days, and an $85.00 penalty if scheduled for one day only.

NOTE: If any registrant has special dietary needs, contact Delores at 614-221-1266, so that advance arrangements can be made.