Texas medical examiners the “last bastion of junk science!”
Texas autopsy?
Texas medical examiners are under fire for mistakes that have allowed convicted criminals go free and sent the innocent to prison, critics said.
“The state does not keep track of MEs in any shape, form or fashion,” Bexar County Chief Medical Examiner Randall Frost told the Fort Worth Star Telegram, adding the state doesn’t know how many certified forensic pathologists work in government offices.
A medical examiner only needs a state medical license to perform an autopsy and does not have to be trained in forensics or pass a specialty. Frost said people are shocked when they find out there are not special qualifications.
“The work of the medical examiner’s office is just so slipshod,” said Tommy Turner, a former special prosecutor. Turner’s investigation put a Lubbock medical examiner behind bars for falsifying autopsies.
Critics call the medical examiner’s office “the last bastion of junk science.” They cite lack of performance standards, poor documentation and too few qualified personnel as well as lax oversight.
On the other hand Texas prosecutors find nothing wrong because District Attorneys aren’t complaining of losses in court because of medical reports. WTF?
That describes the ignorant leading the incompetent – if nothing else.
Holler at your Congress-critter to support Bernie Sanders' bill to 
When you’ve already decided to execute someone it’s probably handy, although not strictly necessary, to obtain at least some supporting paperwork you can claim is scientific evidence.
Cinaedh
September 30, 2009 at 6:35 am
Today crime scenes are respected much more than ever in the past. Give a major portion of the credit there to the OJ trial where samples were misplaced, missing, and/or contaminated.
I would really hate to be the one on trial to have a Medical Examiner screw up so bad as to get the notoriety that OJ did. Unfortunately, too many people can’t find the money to pay for good people.
Mr. Fusion
September 30, 2009 at 9:02 am