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The CSI Effect: Using DNA to Defeat Jurors' Inflated Expectations
Produced on July 26, 2016
Course Information
Course Description
This course reviews crime scene investigation and forensic evidence with a focus on the science behind DNA and latent prints. The course explores strategies for jury selection and trial with particular focus on addressing the science of DNA, latent prints, and modern technology through cross examination and jury selection techniques.
Learning Objectives:
I. Understand the science of DNA
II. Apply DNA science to effective jury selection
III. Prepare appropriate cross examination questions for DNA experts
IV. Effectively address issues with crime scene investigation
V. Understand the science of latent fingerprints
VI. Apply the science to trial techniques
Credit Information
Faculty
Florina Altshiler
Russo & Toner, LLP
Florina Altshiler is a litigation attorney specializing in labor law and premise liability matters. Her practice also includes medical malpractice and general negligence law. Previously, Ms. Altshiler worked as an Assistant District Attorney for the State of Alaska where she handled the prosecution of the highest-level felonies including homicides, sexual assaults and violent felonies through jury trial. She has prosecuted over twenty cases through jury verdict. Prior to working as a prosecutor, Ms. Altshiler honed her litigation skills at nationally recognized law firms in New York City for seven years. She has significant experience in the areas of complex medical malpractice, premises liability and construction accident litigation.
Ms. Altshiler is the managing attorney for the firm’s Buffalo, NY office.
Education:
- J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law, 2005
- International Studies Certificate from Binghamton University, 2003
- B.A. in Psychology from Binghamton University, 2002
Experience:
- Practicing attorney for over 10 years
- Litigated cases at the State and Federal level through trial and appeal
- Over 20 trials through jury verdict as first chair
- Arbitrator, Civil Court of the City of New York
- Instructor of Trial Advocacy at Columbia University in the City of New York
- Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy (criminal and civil) at St. John’s School of Law
- Mock Trial Coach, Anchorage High School
Admissions:
- New York State, 2006
- New Jersey State, 2005
- Alaska State, 2013
- United States District Courts of the Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of New York
Honors:
- Alaska State Legislature Citation
- Dr. Thomas C. Beneventano Award for Legal Medicine
- Rosenberg Scholar, St. John’s School of Law
- Institutional Merit Scholar, St. John’s School of Law
- 2004 CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Criminal Trial Advocacy
- U.S. President’s Student Service Award for Outstanding Service to America
- United Hospital Fund’s Student Achievement Award
- Rosefsky Language and Culture Scholar, Binghamton University
- Semi-Finalist, Intel National Science Talent Search
- Salomon Smith Barney Quality of Life Research Competition
- New York City Hall Commendation for Research
Presentations:
- Erie County Bar Association CLE Presenter: Pre-Litigation Statements Qualified Privilege or Defamation? April, 2015
- Erie County Bar Association CLE Presenter: Intensive (two-day) Trial College, anticipated October, 2015
- WGRZ-TV: Civil Trial Analysis of the Corasanti trial
- Contributing writer in Law and Policy to The Public
Reviews
I loved this course! The instructor was fabulous! Very personable, engaging, animated, expressive, clear cut in her explanations, humorous, knowledgeable, and just all around excellent.
Excellent presentation!
Very extensive amount of material - worth a second viewing and note taking to absorb the information. High quality.
one of the best treatments of these subjects -thank you
Excellent presentation . Should have been a 2 hour course.
She was awesome! Very informative and had a good teaching presence/was fun to watch and listen to
Excellent.
Extremely interesting and informative.
Good, practical material. well presented.
Excellent speaker and very interesting content.
Wow! She really knows her stuff. Great presentation.
Excellent & clear & great delivery!!!
She's good!
great speaker
Excellent
Engaging speaker. Lots of great info.
Valuable information on fingerprint and DNA evidence
Excellent presentation!!!
Well laid out presentation
Very good
Very thorough presentation, especially the written materials which were very helpful.
Interesting
Excellent presenter!
Enlightening
she's the best presenter ever.
Extremely knowledgeable about her subject!
Best presenter very organized and easy to follow
Interesting speaker and good examples that related to the topic.
Outstanding recitation vis-Ã -vis the science of DNA and exploration of the use of this evidence in the courtroom.
Thanks
Our speaker is the most no-holds-barred direct and clear speaker I've ever seen or heard in a CLE. Bravo to her! More importantly, I learned a ton of things that I didn't know. I'm a civil lawyer moving in t the briefing and appeals phases of criminal cases, and this is really helpful! Thank you!!
Excellant
Great information.
Would love to see more by this instructor on this subject
Very good
Excellent course. Very informative. Helpful materials.
Very interesting presentation; pointed out many of the potential pitfalls present with DNA, fingerprints, and a warning about handling the evidence.
Great Faculty member, great program.
great presentation
I really like the instructor. Very clear and engaging.
Great presentation!
Excellent and comprehensive overview of DNA and fingerprint evidence. Knowledgeable and interesting instructor. Thank you.
Very informative.
good
great presenter; great presentation!
Clear information well presented.
good introduction to dna and fingerprint evidence speaker was very very good
She is an excellent presenter
good speaker, interesting