Re:Accused murderer wins right to check source code of DNA t...
by ncallaway on Monday February 08, 2021 @01:26PM
(#26068158)
You're a prosecutor. Your goal is to get convictions. You are objectively graded largely on your ability to secure convictions.
Every incentive you have leads you to preferring convictions.
You have a choice between two labs to hire for your field test. Lab A and Lab B.
Lab A gives you conclusive evidence leading to a conviction 95% of the time. Lab B gives you conclusive evidence leading to a conviction 65% of the time. Price and speed are roughly comparable between the labs. Which lab do you select?
---
You are now a lab director. You are under pressure to improve the sales of the lab's forensic services. You have pretty much maxed out making changes to improve price and speed, and have been matched by other labs. You understand very well the decision making process prosecutors will use to hire your lab.
---
The incentives clearly lead prosecutors to pursuing labs that deliver better results. Labs know this, and so are under market pressure to delivery convictions for prosecutors.
Every incentive you have leads you to preferring convictions.
You have a choice between two labs to hire for your field test. Lab A and Lab B.
Lab A gives you conclusive evidence leading to a conviction 95% of the time. Lab B gives you conclusive evidence leading to a conviction 65% of the time. Price and speed are roughly comparable between the labs. Which lab do you select?
---
You are now a lab director. You are under pressure to improve the sales of the lab's forensic services. You have pretty much maxed out making changes to improve price and speed, and have been matched by other labs. You understand very well the decision making process prosecutors will use to hire your lab.
---
The incentives clearly lead prosecutors to pursuing labs that deliver better results. Labs know this, and so are under market pressure to delivery convictions for prosecutors.