Novel forensics tool used in Anthony trial - HUFF

Novel forensics tool used in Anthony trial

MIKE SCHNEIDER | June 8, 2011 04:19 AM EST

Excerpt:

ORLANDO, Fla. — A novel forensics technique introduced in Casey Anthony's murder trial this week has the promise to do what the noses of highly-trained cadaver dogs are able to do – sniff out decomposition and locate hidden bodies.

That technique had never before been used in a criminal case until the trial of the young Florida mother, who is charged with killing her 2-year-old daughter Caylee. It may end up being the most controversial piece of forensics evidence presented in the trial.

Anthony's defense attorneys tried to stop Oak Ridge National Laboratory senior researcher Arpad Vass from testifying for prosecutors, claiming his method was too experimental. The Orlando prosecutor's office has a history of using novel techniques in the courtroom – it was among the first to use DNA evidence in a criminal case.

More: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20110608/us-casey-anthony/