The Art of Gunshot Residue Testing
Do you know what happens when you fire a gun, and how law enforcement and expert witnesses use gunshot residue testing to discover if a suspect in a criminal case actually discharged a weapon? Okorie Okorocha explains everything you need to know about gunshot residue testing, it’s validity and why…
How Drug Testing Keeps It Fresh
With the advent of synthetic and designer drugs, testing for illicit substances has become more complicated. Black market laboratories are far more high-tech than they used to be, and law enforcement are hard-pressed to keep up with all the new drugs on the market. It is increasingly important for drug…
Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology
Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology is an academic journal that claims to bridge the divide between the legal aspects of pharmacology and toxicology, and the science between these subjects. Although it does publish articles that focus on the creation, interpretation and analysis of data derived from human and animal experiments, it…
How Does Death Affect Forensic Toxicology Findings
Forensic toxicology is used to determine what chemicals were ingested or present at a crime scene, including trace elements and residue. The forensic toxicologist’s findings determine what chemicals were present, and in what concentration, at the time of death. Determining what substances a person ingested, can be complicated by absorption,…
A Detailed Look At Forensic Pathology
Forensic pathology is an important and necessary function in the field of physiological science and crime scene investigations. What is the Role of a Forensic Pathologist? In the field of pathology, a forensic pathologist, commonly referred to as a medical examiner or coroner, is a trained physician whose role it…
Toxicology Lawyer Talks Medical Marijuana in the Workplace
With the recent legalization of recreational marijuana and medical marijuana in a handful of states, a common question has been raised amongst employees and employers: in states where marijuana has been legalized should it be allowed in the workplace? The answer to this question is not cut and dry, there…
The Legal Viability Of Over-The-Counter Drug Testing Kits
With the legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana, there have been many discussions around the viability of drug testing at home and in the work place. According to the laws that govern drug testing in the state of California, there are clear guidelines by which employees, employers and other…
The Steps A Forensic Toxicologist Takes For Alcohol Testing
Before exploring the methods a forensic toxicologist uses to test for alcohol, it is important to understand what a forensic toxicologist is. Toxicology on its own is the study and identification of toxins and drugs in the human body and analyzing and quantifying the amounts of these substances. Forensics is…
The Reliability of Urine Testing
Many employers, schools, athletic associations and law enforcement agencies are conducting more frequent drug and alcohol testing. While there are many testing methods out there, the most commonly on-site drug test used is urine testing. Due to the nature of how urine testing is conducted and the manner in which…
How Gunshot Residue Helps or Hinders a Case
Once considered a critical piece of evidence within criminal trials, the reliability of using gunshot residue (GSR) as evidence has become a point of contention. This is mainly due to the possibility of tampering and the multiple factors by which someone could have exposure to the substance. In order to…
What Is A Toxicology Co-Counsel?
California courts are faced with an overwhelming number of cases each year. Ensuring thorough preparation of a legal case is important to ensure your case has a stronger argument when it’s heard in court. This sometimes requires enlisting the help of an expert witness or co-counsel. Forensics and toxicology are…
The Legalities of Hospital Blood Testing
The legalities behind hospital blood testing have crept their way into the media several times. When a patient arrives at the hospital, there are certain conditions that need to be met in order for their blood to be tested. These conditions may vary from state to state. In many instances,…
