by Richard Prior
Staff Writer
The “big top of forensic investigation” will be in the shape of one large tent May 7 as Florida Coastal School of Law presents a conference featuring the nation’s top forensics experts.
The conference, which will be limited to 500 spectators, will be held at the Adam’s Mark Hotel.
“We’re trying to give people exposure to the nation’s top forensic experts, the real CSI, the pursuit of truth,” said Eric Smith, associate dean for External Affairs and director of the Center for Strategic Governance and International Initiatives. “This is a world-class event.”
The line-up includes Sen. Arlen Specter, who concluded that a single bullet caused President John F. Kennedy’s neck wounds and all of the nonfatal wounds inflicted on Texas Gov. John Connally; and Dr. Cyril Wecht, Allegheny County (Pa.) coroner and founder of the Cyril Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and Law at Duquesne University School of Law.
Wecht has argued against the “tale of the magic bullet” since Specter proposed it in 1964 and it became part of the Warren Commission’s findings.
“My understanding is they’re good buddies,” said Smith. “They’ve made a lifetime arguing the theory.”
Other speakers include:
• Dr. Henry C. Lee, a forensic scientist and criminalist, best known for his work in high-profile cases such as O.J. Simpson, Vince Foster and JonBenet Ramsey.
• Dr. Michael Baden, co-director of the New York State Police Medicolegal Investigation Unit. His cases include the examination of the remains of Czar Nicholas and his family, the death of John Belushi and the disappearance and death of Laci Peterson.
• Barry Scheck, professor of law and director of clinical education at New York’s Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. The co-founder of the Innocence Project has represented clients such as O.J. Simpson and au pair Louise Woodward.
• Ann Wolbert Burgess, RN, professor at William F. Connell School of Nursing at Boston College and a renowned researcher, author, educator and advanced practice psychiatric nurse.
The law school also expects to have lawyer and author Scott Turow attend the conference, perhaps making a public speech before the event gets under way.
“This law school and the Cyril Wecht Institute are bringing the people who are behind the scenes in one respect and yet very much in the forefront of the cases that are out there now,” said Smith.
The public’s knowledge of forensic science has been boosted by the popularity of two CSI shows on CBS, which has been responsible for making it “the No. 1 network,” said Jarrod Turner, FCSL’s director of Institutional Support and one of the conference’s organizers.
“One cannot overstate the value of forensic science in our search for truth in criminal, civil and family medicolegal investigations and court proceedings,” said Wecht. “This conference is designed to explore and inform professionals and academics, from a variety of disciplines and fields, of the value and scope of forensic science as a powerful investigative tool.”
The idea for the conference, “the guy that’s riding the point on this,” Smith said, Is Professor Jagdeep Bhandari, who worked on the project with the school’s new owners, Sterling Partners.
“It is he who brought the idea to the table,” said Smith. “Without him, this dog doesn’t hunt.”
Bhandari has taught economics, done international transaction and immigration work, and has worked at the World Bank. He has also worked with several of those who will be at the conference, including Lee, Wecht and Scheck.
“It was a matter of making a lot of phone calls,” said Bhandari. “Henry Lee consults to 12 governments. You can’t talk to him on the telephone. Or Barry Scheck, unless they know who you are.
“I had to use up all the capital I had to say, ‘Come to Florida, and we’ll show you a good time.’”
The conference has been approved for continuing legal, medical and nursing education.
“It’s good for professionals and for interested lay people as well,” said Smith. “We’re hoping that, not just national and international people, but local people will attend.”
Smith expects the rush will be on soon for tickets to the conference, which will “comfortably accommodate” an audience of about 500 at the Adam’s Mark. Those who are interested in attending may register online at www.fcsl.edu/forensics or by phoning (888) 246-4255.