Please join Dorsey & Whitney LLP and

The Advocates for Human Rights’ Death Penalty Project for our bi-monthly lunchtime speaker series:

THE USE AND MISUSE OF DNA EVIDENCE:

INSIDE THE HOUSTON CRIMELAB SCANDAL

Presented by: Christine Funk

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

12:00 – 1:00 P.M.

at

Dorsey & Whitney

Seattle Room, 15th Floor

50 South Sixth Street

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Using the recent Houston crime lab scandal as an example, Ms. Funk will speak about the importance of DNA testing and what can happen when no one questions the DNA test ‘results.’  In the Houston crime lab, neglect and disorder affected hundreds of cases – including capital cases - and led to the unit’s shutdown in 2002.  Ms. Funk will also discuss and explain the procedures that are being taken to review the mistakes made in that crime lab that have lead to the release of at least one wrongly convicted inmate.  Application for one CLE credit will be made.  This presentation is a brown bag lunch.  Beverages will be provided.

Speaker Biography

CHRISTINE FUNK began working at the Public Defender’s Office shortly after she was licensed to practice in 1994.  She worked on her first DNA case, a double homicide, in 1995.  Ms. Funk is responsible for the DNA portion of all DNA cases in the 10th District and consults throughout the state for the Public Defender’s Office.

Ms. Funk has spoken at both local and national seminars on DNA testing, interpretation, test results, and trial strategy in DNA cases.  She also consults with private attorneys on DNA cases and has a small private practice in criminal defense.

Please R.S.V.P. to Bill Keeler at The Advocates for Human Rights

by Friday, July 23rd, 2005

Email: wkeeler@mnadvocates.org