The Prosecutor The official publication of the Kansas County and District Attorneys Association Volume VII, No. 1, Spring 2010 2009-2010 KCDAA Board

Ann Swegle John Wheeler, Jr. Melissa Johnson President Vice President Secretary/Treasurer Sedgwick County Deputy District Finney County Attorney Seward County Assistant County Attorney Attorney

Mark Frame Michael Russell Barry Wilkerson Director I Director II Director III Edwards County Attorney Wyandotte County Chief Deputy Riley County Attorney District Attorney

Chairs & Representatives

Justin Edwards CLE Committee Chair Assistant Sedgwick County District Attorney

Marc Goodman Legislative Committee Chair Lyon County Attorney Marc Goodman Thomas R. Stanton Past President Nola Tedesco Foulston Director IV NDAA Representative Lyon County Attorney Reno County Deputy District Attorney Sedgwick County District Attorney The Kansas Prosecutor The official publication of the Kansas The Kansas Prosecutor County and District Attorneys Association The official publication of the Kansas County Published by the Kansas County and District and District Attorneys Association Attorneys Association, 1200 S.W. Tenth Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66604. Phone: (785) 232-5822 Fax: (785) 234-2433 Volume VII, No. 1, Spring 2010 Table of Contents

President’s Column by Ann Swegle...... 4

Legislator’s Column: Public Safety Issues Being Addressed by Legislators by Representative Joe Patton...... 6 Our mission: The purpose of the KCDAA is to promote, Guest Column: We Must Ensure Kansas Remains a Safe Place to Live improve and facilitate the administration by Congressman Todd Tiahrt...... 8 of justice in the State of Kansas. KCDAA Member Highlight: For questions or comments about Pawnee County Attorney John Settle this publication, please contact the editor: by Mary Napier...... 10 Mary Napier [email protected] KCDAA Milestones...... 15 (785) 783-5494 Prosecutors Have a Duty to Give Back to Our Communities by Stephen M. Howe and Jerome A. Gorman...... 16 Board of Editors John Settle Jerome Gorman AG’s Appellate Brief Checklist Barry Wilkerson Mary Napier by Kristafer Ailslieger...... 18 Advisory Council Angela Wilson Jared Maag Sufficiency of Evidence Must Be Taken Seriously by Marc Bennett...... 20

KCDAA Administrative Staff Forensic Science: How Can We Make it Better? Steve Kearney, Executive Director by Karen Wittman...... 21 Leisa Shepherd Kellie Kearney Richard Samaniego Kari Presley NDAA Spring Report by Kim T. Parker...... 29

This magazine is dedicated to professional prosecutors across KCDAA Spring 2010 Conference...... 31 the state of Kansas for public information. The KCDAA and the members of the Editorial Board assume no responsibility for any opinion or statement of fact in the substantive legal articles published in The Kansas Prosecutor. We welcome your comments, suggestions, questions, information, etc. From time to time, The Kansas Prosecutor will publish articles dealing with controversial issues. The views About the Cover expressed in The Kansas Prosecutor are those of the authors The Doniphan County Courthouse, designed and may not reflect the official policy of the KCDAA. Send by George P. Washburn & Son, Architects and correspondence to: The Kansas Prosecutor editor, 1200 S.W. constructed by J. H. Wagenknecht, Wathena, KS, Tenth Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66604 or e-mail Mary Napier in 1906, occupies a full square block in Troy, KS, at [email protected]. surrounded by the city’s central business district. From its lofty domes, you can see the grain © The Kansas Prosecutor All rights reserved elevators at Denton, the water towers at Highland and St. Joseph, Missouri, as well as many of Photocopying, reproduction or quotation is strictly the homes, churches, schools, and commercial prohibited without the written consent from the publisher or buildings of the county, surrounded by rolling Editorial Board. Unsolicited material and/or correspondence hills and large expanses of rich farmland. cannot be acknowledged or returned, and becomes the Doniphan County is located in the northeast property of The Kansas Prosecutor. corner of Kansas, bordering the Missouri River. Photo by John D. Morrison, Prairie Vistas Photography President’s Column by Ann Swegle, KCDAA President Deputy District Attorney, Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office Spring Conference Offers Highly Recommended CLEs

The KCDAA 2010 Spring Conference will be using two more Clarence Darrow trials – the murder held June 10 – 11 at the Hyatt Regency in Wichita. trial of Leopold & Loeb, whose murder of 14 We are not alone in gathering in Wichita during that year-old Bobby Franks has been dubbed the nation’s time for CLE credits and camaraderie. The Hyatt first thrill killing, and Darrow’s own trial on bribery will also be hosting the Kansas Bar Association’s charges. President Clinton’s impeachment trial will (KBA) Annual Meeting and Joint Judicial Confer- also serve as an example to highlight persuasive ence. The state’s judges will also be convening by techniques employed in closing arguments. themselves across town at the Marriott. On Friday, you will be involved in an interactive Our CLE Committee has designed and organized experience with a long-time prosecutor, and a judge, an exceptional program. We are bringing in some who was once a long-time prosecutor. Kentucky dynamic speakers - some local, some not – who are Commonwealth Attorney Thomas Lockridge and prepared to both educate and entertain you. Kentucky Circuit Judge Steve Wilson will present Among the speakers is Todd Winegar, a Utah “Ethics: The Movie.” During this presentation, lawyer, lecturer, and trial consultant. On Thursday, you will witness a prosecutor encounter various June 10, Winegar will deliver a presentation and situations with ethical implications. materials entitled “Trials of the Century.” A variety The movie part of the program portrays interac- of famous trials and lawyers will be highlighted. tions between a police detective and a prosecutor The focus will be on cross-examination techniques who are involved in the investigations of a violent employed during the segment on the O.J. Simpson home invasion and the subsequent prosecution of trial. The cross-examination of several witnesses, the individual accused of the robbery/murder. The both by the defense and the prosecution, will be seen movie is paused between scenes for issue spotting and analyzed, including the cross-examination of and discussion of the ethical implications of what Mark Fuhrman by F. Lee Bailey. has just transpired. Some issues and their proper Cross-examination rules and techniques will also resolution are quite clear, but others are not so neatly be explored in the segment on the 1925 trial of John resolved, leaving room for different perspectives on Scopes for teaching evolution to school children. what should be done. You’ll be able to listen to William Jennings Bryan This presentation was developed to cover a being cross-examined by Clarence Darrow. wide range of practical issues that prosecutors may The ethics of dealing with difficult witnesses and confront at some point in their careers. attorneys and the ethics of “Rambo” litigation tactics Both “Trials of the Century” and “Ethics: The will be discussed, using the 1935 Lindberg kidnap- Movie” come to us highly recommended from other ping trial as a vehicle. prosecutors who have experienced the presentations. Techniques employed in effective cross- We expect these will be great CLE experiences that examination of difficult witnesses will be explored you will benefit from and enjoy. while looking at the Nuremburg trials. You will We will also have a legislative update during the watch Reich Marshall Herman Goering be cross- conference to inform you of new criminal justice examined by United States Supreme Court Justice legislation and other legislation of interest. We were Robert H. Jackson, who served as chief prosecutor successful in advancing all but one of our legisla- of Nazi leaders in the international war crimes trials. tive initiatives. Our bill to amend the law to prohibit Closing argument techniques will be explored, the reduction of sentences at probation violation 4 The Kansas Prosecutor Spring 2010 hearings died in committee. However, the rest of • our request for a State v. Horn fix to ensure our legislative priorities fared much better. those convicted of “Jessica’s Law” attempts, Our proposals to amend K.S.A. 21-4204(a)(4) conspiracies, and solicitations would be to extend the 10-year prohibition on gun posses- sentenced as off-grid offenders rather than as sion to include drug manufacturers and to amend severity level 1 offenders. K.S.A. 65-4105(d) to add BZP (benzylpiperazine), We are grateful for the legislature’s support of an Ecstasy-type drug, to the list of schedule I drugs our suggestions to improve the Kansas criminal successfully passed both houses of the legislature justice system. fairly early in the session. The drug bill has been In addition to all the great CLE presentations in signed by the and, at this writing, the gun store for you at the Spring Conference, on Friday possession prohibition bill awaits the governor’s evening there will be an opportunity for you to signature. partake of some great entertainment provided by the The governor’s signature is also the final step Wichita Bar Association (WBA), which produces remaining to the enactment of the rest of our legisla- the Wichita Bar Show in conjunction with the tive initiatives. Those are: KBA conference. The show is always full of song, • a request to amend the discovery statute, dance, and satire. This year the show is called “The K.S.A. 22-3212, to allow for the protection Furlough Follies” in honor of the court system’s of crime victims’ and witnesses’ personal planned response to the budget shortfall. Tickets identifiers, such as social security numbers will be available for purchase through the WBA. and dates of birth during the discovery All in all, you should look forward to a fantastic process; educational and entertainment experience at the • some proposed changes to the mistreatment Spring Conference. I look forward to seeing you of dependent adults statute; and there.

When Planning Your Estate -- designate to KPF --

Projects under Development by the Kansas Prosecutors Foundation, include:

• KCDAA Law School Scholarships • ‘Finding Words’ – helping child • KCDAA Undergraduate Honors victims speak Stipends • Grant for a Statewide Victim/ • KPT&AI National Speaker Bureau for Witness Notification System Prosecutor Continuing Legal Education • Sponsor KVAA • KCDAA Law Day Activities in Kansas • And so much more… High Schools Learn more at www.kpfonline.org

Don’t Forget: A tax deductable contribution can be made out to KPF and sent directly to: Kansas Prosecutors Foundation, 1200 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604

Spring 2010 The Kansas Prosecutor 5 Legislator’s Column by Representative Joe Patton

Public Safety Issues Being Addressed by Legislators

The goal of every state legislator is to enact laws aimed at parents who have a teenage son raid their that make our Kansas communities stronger and liquor cabinet. It is meant to deter those adults who safer. That has been a challenge during the last few knowingly buy or provide alcohol to anyone under years. With dwindling revenues, the state budget the legal drinking age. has been hit hard. Just in the last year, the Kansas Our social hosting law now holds adults respon- Legislature and Governor Mark Parkinson have cut sible for providing alcohol to our children and spending by nearly a billion dollars. And as every exposing them to the dangers of driving intoxicated prosecutor and judge in the state knows, public or violent actions such as rape. safety programs and court services have suffered As Vice Chairman of the House Corrections and more than their fair share of funding reductions. Juvenile Justice, I helped lead committee efforts to Still, with input from organizations like the address the ’s ruling in State Kansas County and District Attorneys Association, v. Horn. You will recall in that decision, the Court I worked with my fellow legislators to success- determined there was a conflict between the general fully strengthen public safety policy and address statutes on attempt, conspiracy, and conspiracy to a number of issues raised through various court commit an offense, and the specific statute known decisions. Some of the issues I led efforts to clarify as Jessica’s law. Jessica’s Law provides attempts, and increase penalties for included our social hosting conspiracies, and solicitations of off-grid offenses laws; security fraud laws protecting dependent would remain an off-grid offense while the general adults; and Jessica’s Law. statutes provide for less severe penalties. House I introduced a bill last year to address concerns Bill 2435 as introduced by Rep. Lance Kinzer regarding underage drinking and in particular, adults clarifies that the Legislature intended the penalty who knowingly provide alcohol to our youth. The for these crimes would be an off-grid offense. This law made it illegal to intentionally host minors effectively would reverse the Court’s finding for consuming alcohol, but enforcement of that law future cases. proved daunting. Law enforcement and prosecu- House Bill 2435 also addresses the ruling of the tors found it difficult to arrest or charge someone Kansas Supreme Court in State v. Trautloff. The for social hosting because the person could claim Court determined because the defendant’s convic- ignorance – that they were not aware the teens were tions for the rape, aggravated sodomy, aggravated drinking alcohol. indecent liberties with a child, and sexual exploita- During the 2009 session, I proposed a simple tion of a child had been adjudicated on the same amendment to the law to give Kansas law enforce- day, the convictions were not separate conviction ment and prosecutors the ability to more effectively events. The bill clarifies the Legislature’s intention enforce state laws aimed at reducing underage by deleting the definition of “prior conviction event” drinking. in the aggravated habitual sex offender statute so House Bill 2165 added the word “recklessly” that any person convicted of two or more sexually to the law to make sure the adult who is setting up violent crimes, despite the fact that the convictions the party, buying the alcohol, and helping carry occur on the same day, is a habitual sex offender the kegs into the basement cannot then pretend subject to a mandatory life sentence without the ignorance. The law’s purpose is not to prosecute possibility of parole. innocent or even merely negligent parents. It is not The measure also would amend the statute 6 The Kansas Prosecutor Spring 2010 on terrorism and illegal use of weapons of mass $250,000 (the Senate’s bill recommended destruction to provide that an attempt, conspiracy, or severity level 5); criminal solicitation to commit the crime would be • A severity level 5, person felony if the an off-grid felony. aggregate amount of the value of the The House Corrections and Juvenile Justice resources is at least $25,000 but less than Committee also introduced a measure to address $100,000 (the Senate’s bill recommended issues raised by the Kansas Supreme Court regarding severity level 7); and the intent of our state’s sentencing guidelines. In • A severity level 7, person felony if the State v. Luttig, the Court upheld current law that aggregate amount of the value of the prohibits (unless otherwise provided) prior convic- resources is at least $1,000 but less than tions of any crime be counted in determining $25,000 (the Senate’s bill recommended the criminal history category if they enhance the severity level 9). severity level or applicable penalties, elevate the The committee also agreed to amend SB 67 to classification from misdemeanor to felony, or are contain provisions from SB 411 regarding criminal elements of the present crime of conviction. possession of a firearm (as recommended by the House Bill 2469 amends state statute so there Senate Committee on Judiciary) and provisions is no doubt that prior convictions can be counted regarding identity theft and identity fraud. in determining the criminal history category of a Despite budget constraints, I am pleased the defendant. It allows for a more accurate criminal supported these and other efforts history of the defendant for pre-sentence investiga- to strengthen our public safety policy to keep our tions and sentencing. communities safe. As a state legislator, it is my goal Growing concerns of the mistreatment to make sure Kansas law enforcement, prosecutors, of dependent adults led me to support during and judges have the right laws in place so they can committee debate of Senate Bill 67 that would protect our state’s most vulnerable citizens. increase the severity level of punishment of those who intentionally and unreasonably cause or permit injury or endangerment of a dependent adult. I was pleased to carry the bill on the House floor. Prosecutors from across the state have shared with me stories of older Kansas who lost hundreds of thousands of dollars because of the misguided trust they placed in others whose only goal was to steal their money. The House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee agreed to amend the bill to the following severity levels: • A severity level 2, person felony if the aggregate amount of the value of the resources is $1,000,000 or more (the Senate’s bill recommended severity level 5); • A severity level 3, person felony if the aggregate amount of the value of the resources is at least $250,000 but less than $1,000,000 (the Senate’s bill recommended severity level 5); • A severity level 4, person felony if the aggregate amount of the value of the resources is at least $100,000 but less than

Spring 2010 The Kansas Prosecutor 7 Guest Column by Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.)

We Must Ensure Kansas Remains a Safe Place to Live

So many times the role of the Sedgwick County District provide equipment to Kansas law prosecutors is viewed only within Attorney’s Office to implement enforcement to help fight this the limited context of a courtroom a new records management growing epidemic. With these where justice can be delivered to system. This allowed the district resources and first-class work by both victims and the guilty. And attorney’s office to modernize prosecutors, we have been able to while this is accurate, it represents data sharing systems with the take drug traffickers off the streets only a minute portion of the work courts and law enforcement. and put them in jail. The work by prosecutors and their employees Six years ago, after the law enforcement and prosecutors carry out on a daily basis – all in infamous BTK killer resurfaced, has moved Kansas from being an effort to uphold the laws of our I worked with my colleagues in the 4th largest meth-producing land. Congress to provide emergency state in 2001 to 16th in 2009. We What many citizens do not funding needed by the Wichita still have a lot more work to do realize is that like any other local Police Department to assist in the in this area, but our communities government official, prosecutors apprehension of the killer. We have been made a lot safer in the are often saddled with unfunded were able to get those resources process. mandates created by politicians where they were needed, and I hope we can continue to responding to political forces. thanks to the incredible investiga- find partnerships between federal, And because of the economic tion by the Wichita Police Depart- state, and local law enforcement recession, local offices are dealing ment, they captured the BTK and prosecuting offices to battle with the realities of budget cuts. serial killer a few months later in methamphetamine manufacturing Unfortunately, although budgets August 2005. During this process, and trafficking so we reduce our have been reduced, prosecuting the Wichita Police Department state ranking even further. caseloads have not gone down. took advantage of cutting-edge In 2003, I introduced what Prosecutors are on the front technology to develop new is now commonly referred to as lines of helping make our justice investigative procedures that the Tiahrt trace data amendment system work properly, often have since been studied by police that is now permanent law. The working together with local, state, agencies nationwide. And because Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), and federal law enforcement the Wichita police so efficiently the world’s largest organization of officials. Prosecuting offices, utilized their resources in sworn law enforcement officers, like law enforcement, should be capturing BTK, they were able to asked me to protect the integrity given every tool necessary to rededicate the remaining federal of trace data because public successfully navigate the judicial funds to help fight the growing disclosure of this data could framework to ensure citizens are gang activity in Sedgwick County. jeopardize ongoing investiga- afforded constitutional protec- As a long-standing member tions and endanger police officers’ tions and the guilty do not escape of the bi-partisan Congressional lives. punishment on technicalities. Caucus to Fight and Control While this confidential data Working with officials in the Methamphetamine, I have cannot be released to the public, largest prosecuting jurisdiction worked to increase funding for it is available to all levels of law in south central Kansas, I helped the Midwest High Intensity Drug enforcement and prosecutors. provide needed resources for Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and Despite repeated attacks by big 8 The Kansas Prosecutor Spring 2010 city mayors such as New York’s Stopping crime before it happens if there are ideas for better partner- Michael Bloomberg, we have is always best. That is why I have ships between the federal govern- been able to preserve this privacy been honored to fight for projects ment and local prosecution office law, ensuring that trace data that support community policing needs, please do not hesitate to remains a valuable resource for efforts, school safety projects, and contact me. Ensuring Kansas prosecutors and law enforcement neighborhood economic develop- remains a safe place to live, work – while the privacy of law-abiding ment projects. and play is a responsibility we all firearm owners remains secure. Throughout my service in take seriously, and I look forward Beyond being responsive to Congress, I have appreciated to continuing our work in pursuit efforts to address crime, we have feedback from Kansans who are of that goal in the future. to find better ways to support on the ground working every day You can learn more about preventative measures in hopes of to make our communities better Congressman Todd Tiahrt at reducing prosecution caseloads. and our state stronger. As always, http://tiahrt.house.gov/.

About Congressman Todd Tiahrt Todd Tiahrt (pronounced TEE-hart), R-Goddard, discretionary spending bills pass through this began serving the 4th District of Kansas in Congress important committee. In addition to serving as in 1995. Todd was appointed to the powerful Ranking Member on the Labor/HHS/Education House Appropriations Committee in 1997 and Subcommittee, Todd is a member of the Defense currently serves as the Senior Republican on the Subcommittee. Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Todd founded and serves as chairman of the Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. House Economic Competitiveness Caucus and is In addition to his leadership assignment on the leading the effort to help keep and create jobs House Appropriations Committee, Todd served four in Kansas and the U.S. Under Todd’s leadership in years on the House Permanent Select Committee on advancing the competitiveness agenda, the House Intelligence from 2005-2008 at the request of the of Representatives passed more than 50 pieces of Speaker of the House and Republican Leadership. legislation directly related to increasing the ability of He is also a former member of the Board of Visitors U.S. workers to compete in a global economy. for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point that As a Member of Congress, Todd has received provides advice on academics and academy life numerous honors for his voting record on behalf issues. of taxpayers, law enforcement officers, seniors and Todd is a champion of taxpayers and those American families including an “A” voting record who believe in the traditional American values of with National Right to Life, American Conservative integrity, faith, and family. Todd grew up on his Union, Family Research Council, the U.S. Chamber family’s farm where, at a young age, he learned the of Commerce, and the NRA. In 2009, Todd was values of hard work and frugality. named “Kansas Legislator of the Year” by the Kansas Before his service in Congress, he was employed Fraternal Order of Police. He has also been named by the Boeing Company in Wichita for nearly 14 a Super Friend of Seniors, a Champion of Private years, where he worked on various aerospace Property Rights, and a Taxpayer’s Hero. projects including the Space Station, Air Force One, Todd attended the School of and the Comanche Helicopter. Mines and Technology and later transferred to As a member of the House Appropriations Evangel College where he graduated and met Committee, Todd is in a unique position to fight his wife Vicki. Todd went on to earn his MBA from for the interests of all Kansans and for fiscal Southwest Missouri State. Todd and Vicki were responsibility in the federal budget process. All blessed with three children, Jessica, John and Luke.

Spring 2010 The Kansas Prosecutor 9 KCDAA Member Highlight: Pawnee County Attorney John Settle by Mary Napier, Editor, Kansas Prosecutor

Some KCDAA members have come to prosecu- tion as a second career or share their time between two different careers at the same time. This can be challenging as well as rewarding at times. Pawnee County Attorney John M. Settle is one of those KCDAA members. In addition to serving as Pawnee County Attorney and County Counselor since 1995, he is the owner and publisher of five central Kansas newspaper publications. But how did he become a prosecutor and newspaper owner in Kansas when he was actually born and raised in Oklahoma? Let’s start at the beginning. After graduating in 1974 from high school in Chickasha, Oklahoma, Settle attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University and graduated in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Paula and John Settle with their four grandchildren journalism and marketing. He entered the Univer- was growing, he also put his name on the defense sity of Oklahoma School of Law joint JD/MBA appointment list. He quickly realized he didn’t like program in the fall of 1977 with the intention of that side of the courtroom and fortunately became going to work in corporate America. busy enough after only a few months that he was While in his second semester of law school able to take his name off the defense list. he and his wife’s oldest daughter Katie was born. During the next couple of years, Settle’s practice Settle began interning with the Grady County continued to be fairly busy until the collapse of Penn District Attorney’s office in Chickasha when Grady Square Bank in Oklahoma City which took most of County District Attorney Tony Burns offered Settle a the Oklahoma oil business down with it. full-time job as soon as he completed his law degree. Oklahoma and the Chickasha economies were By that time reality had set in, and Settle decided he heavily dependent on the oil industry, so every could finish his MBA later as it was time he got a business in the area was hit hard. One of the banks full-time job to support his family. in Chickasha that Settle represented began to send As an intern and Assistant District Attorney him several foreclosures each week for filing. It was with the Oklahoma 6th Prosecution District, good to be busy but the bank’s bad loans not only Settle worked as a prosecutor in three of the four demanded most of Settle’s time but it also took a toll county seats of the district, Anadarko, Duncan and on the bank. It wasn’t long before a larger regional Chickasha, Oklahoma. bank in Oklahoma City bought the Chickasha bank’s “I had my eyes opened as I learned how some assets. Since the Oklahoma City bank already had a of the families I had previously known, really lived law firm representing them, the bank’s business went their lives,” said Settle. to them. With the loss of the bank business and the After three years as a prosecutor, a family friend rest of the area’s economy struggling, Settle decided who was a banker, suggested Settle go into private he would rather prosecute than change his practice practice and with business in the area booming, to become a divorce and defense lawyer. Settle decided to make that move. Settle knew District Attorney Tom Gruber’s Settle’s private practice focused on banking, 26th Prosecution District of Oklahoma needed an real estate and oil and gas, but while his practice assistant to try felony cases and help with civil duties

10 The Kansas Prosecutor Spring 2010 in Woodward County. The District encompassed five Marshall and Frances Settle, negotiate the purchase northwest Oklahoma counties including Woodward of “The Tiller and Toiler”, the Larned, Kansas daily County where the position was open. newspaper. His parents already owned several Settle was already a pilot at that time and flew to newspapers in Oklahoma and wanted to continue to Woodward to interview for the position. expand. Gruber offered Settle the assistant job, which “My dad had been trying to get me to consider included serving as counsel for the County Commis- working in the family business for quite some time, sions of all five counties in the district. Settle was but I enjoyed the practice of law and had resisted,” excited at the opportunity to wear the “white hat” said Settle. “However, several months after the again and since he was an avid quail hunter, the purchase of the “The Tiller and Toiler” newspaper move was even more exciting as Woodward County in Larned, my dad convinced me that he needed was the center of some of the best quail hunting in my help in Larned and the town looked like it the world. could be a good fit for my family.” By July 1988, Settle enjoyed prosecuting in Oklahoma and has Settle decided to move to Larned and was a Kansas high praise for the Oklahoma District Attorney’s resident by September of that year. Training and Coordination Council, Oklahoma’s For several weeks Settle’s career took a different counterpart to the KCDAA. “I learned first-hand path while he focused on the day-to-day operations the value of being involved with your state’s bar of running the newspaper. It was late October and prosecutor organizations. While working in 1988 before Settle had time to call the Office of the Oklahoma I tried to be as active as possible with the Clerk of the Kansas Supreme Court to request an DATCC and also served on the Board of Directors application to join the Kansas Bar by motion. It is of the Young Lawyer Division of the Oklahoma Bar an understatement to say Settle was disappointed to Association,” commented Settle. find out that Kansas had repealed reciprocity with In May of 1987 Settle helped his parents, all other state bars effective July 1987, just two months after he had called the clerk’s office while he was working on the purchase of the newspaper in May 1987, to verify that Kansas reciprocated with Oklahoma. Settle didn’t want to give up his legal career so he did the only think he could do. He ordered the study materials and sat for the Kansas Bar in February 1989.

Spring 2010 The Kansas Prosecutor 11 “In mid-April 1989, I finally got the news I had In June 1995, then Pawnee County Attorney passed another bar and after letting out an Indian Terry Gross took a position with the Kansas yell that scared everyone in the newspaper office, I Attorney General’s office, so he offered to contacted the Pawnee County District Court to ask recommend Settle to the Pawnee County Republi- that my name be added to the court appointment cation Central Committee, which would provide list,” said Settle. the Governor with a name for Terry’s replacement. From 1988 to June 1995, Settle balanced his Settle’s name was forwarded to Kansas Governor responsibilities at the newspaper and as a legal Bill Graves in July 1995 and Governor Graves professional. He limited his legal career to acting as appointed Settle as Pawnee County Attorney. a GAL for child in need of care cases, representing Settle has been re-elected in that position each mental patients in involuntary commitment cases election since that time. Annually the Pawnee at Larned State Hospital, court appointments, and County Attorney’s Office handles about 325-350 helping then Pawnee County Attorney Terry Gross criminal cases, close to 300 involuntary commitment during a period that Gross dealt with some personal cases from Larned State Hospital, several hundred medical issues. traffic cases, 70-80 JV and CINC cases, and dozens While at the newspaper, John focused his of different issues for the commissioners and other attention on anything that needed done. He wrote county offices as Settle is also the Pawnee County stories, sold ads, took photos, wrote payroll and Counselor and provides legal representation to the payable checks, ran the press, took out the trash, and Pawnee County Commission. vacuumed the carpet. However, Settle didn’t leave his newspapers In September 1993, John purchased “The behind when he returned to prosecution. Ellinwood Leader”, a weekly newspaper in “I work on each case or issue for the county until Ellinwood, Kansas. Over the years, Settle has what has to be done is complete. Then if there is acquired other publications as well. He now owns something I need to do for the newspapers, I take and publishes five central Kansas publications, care of that,” said Settle. “Luckily I have great staff including: “The Tiller and Toiler”, published twice in both offices that operate with minimal guidance. I weekly in Larned, Kansas; “The Ellinwood Leader”, try not to micro-manage and trust my staff to do the published weekly in Ellinwood, Kansas; “The Lyons jobs they have been trained and educated to do.” News”, published twice weekly in Lyons, Kansas; Settle has been asked many times how he “The Hoisington Dispatch”, published weekly balances the different interests of a prosecutor in Hoisington, Kansas; and “The Central Kansas and a newspaper owner. Settle explains he is very Rocket”, published weekly and delivered to almost careful to comply with the provisions of Rule 3.8 of 14,000 homes in central Kansas in five different the KRPC, and he handles all releases of informa- counties. tion through written release rather than by giving

12 The Kansas Prosecutor Spring 2010 interviews concerning criminal cases. responsibility as well as a great opportunity that I am The newspaper staff is sometimes afraid other thankful for.” media outlets will run information that Settle will This feeling was reiterated for Settle when not allow in his newspapers, but he explained, “They he received a card from the mother of a woman have come to understand that my position as Pawnee whose parental rights were terminated in a case he County Attorney sometimes trumps the interests of prosecuted a few years before. The mother wrote the newspaper.” In spite of those challenges, Settle to thank him for “saving her granddaughter’s life.” is fond of pointing out that, “…the Pawnee County Settle believes you can’t make that kind of differ- Attorney’s Office gets along very well with the local ence in many jobs. newspaper.” Recently, as county counselor, Settle worked Settle also explained that he thinks his prosecu- on “the single most important project I have ever tion career has helped him be a better journalist had the privilege to work on.” The project was the rather than the other way around. He explains that potential loss of Pawnee County’s hospital. attorneys look at issues from several different angles “I would not have had the opportunity to devote and try to analyze each relevant piece, which is a time to that project were it not for my position as great critical thinking the Pawnee County skill to have. Settle Attorney,” said Settle. believes that type of “Since we were thinking is very beneficial successful in saving in most other careers and our community’s has been valuable in his hospital, we were newspaper business. able to insure that the What does Settle citizens of Pawnee think is the most difficult County would have thing about being a access to a local prosecutor if it isn’t hospital for many balancing his prosecutor years to come; a and newspaper careers? need tremendously “It is hard to important for the prosecute someone in future of the county the community that you know or whose family you and its citizens.” know,” explained Settle. “Nobody likes getting While that was a great opportunity for Settle, disciplined or seeing someone they are related to in he reminisced that the most exciting thing he has trouble. If you are a county attorney who does your gotten to do as a Kansas prosecutor was to serve as job the way it should be done for any period of time, president of the KCDAA in 2003. you are going to have contact with lots of families “That was a great responsibility which I enjoyed in your area that will not appreciate many of your enormously,” said Settle. “It was truly an honor to actions.” serve in that position, knowing as I do the tremen- So, what does Settle enjoy the most about his dous class, character, and competence of our Kansas position as a county attorney? prosecutors.” “The best thing about being a county attorney is Settle joined the KCDAA after becoming the the opportunity to do ‘good’… to wear the ‘white Pawnee County Attorney in 1995. He has served on hat’,” said Settle. “Despite the fact that I enjoy several committees and held each officer position small town newspapers, as a newspaper owner, I on the board as he worked his way through the don’t get up every day knowing that I am person- ranks before becoming president. Settle is currently ally going to have the opportunity to ‘directly’ make a member of the Board of Editors of the Kansas a positive difference in my community that day. I Prosecutor magazine. know that is the case as a prosecutor. It is a great “I believe my participation with the KCDAA

Spring 2010 The Kansas Prosecutor 13 has truly enhanced my capabilities as an attorney fishing as a co-angler with Kevin Van Dam at a as well as my career,” said Settle. “The KCDAA tournament on Table Rock (you can see KVD on has provided a network of talented attorneys of ESPN2 every Saturday morning on the Bassmasters very high character and professionalism to learn or Bass Pro Shop’s TV shows). from. The opportunity to associate with such quality For several years Settle also field trialed birddogs individuals cannot be replaced or duplicated.” as an amateur competitor, he served on the Board While Settle is active with KCDAA, he can’t forget of the American Bird Hunters Association, and he the newspaper part of his life. He is also a member of owned two AFTCA Field Champions along with the Kansas Press Association and believes it provides other competitive birddogs. a great service to Kansas and its members even though In addition, if Settle feels like being somewhere once in a while his career as a prosecutor might put him else, he has the ability to just hop in a plane and go. at odds with the KPA’s legislative agenda. His dad was a pilot and he is also a private pilot with When Settle isn’t focused on prosecution or more than 1500+ hours total time. He enjoys flying newspapers, he spends his time with his family of his family around the country in a private aircraft. three daughters; Katie, Lindsey, and Kelly; two “Of my extra-curricular activities, this is son-in-laws David and Ryan; and four grandkids, probably my favorite,” said Settle. “It is satisfying Logan, Rhett, Oliver, and Violet. He and Paula, his to be able to be in the office in Larned in the wife of 33 years, have discovered “grandkids are a morning and make it to Topeka, Kansas City or lot more fun than you can imagine!” Chickasha, Oklahoma that same afternoon, if Settle also enjoys golf, bowling, quail hunting necessary, to deal with whatever other responsibili- and fishing; sometimes fishing competitively in ties my careers might present and then make it back BASS tournaments. Settle had the experience of home that night.” We want to share your news! If you have something you would like to share with the KCDAA membership, please keep us informed.

We’d like to publish baby announcements, new attorneys, anniversaries, retirements, awards won, office moves, if you’ve been published or anything else worth sharing with the KCDAA!

Information submitted is subject to space availability and the editorial board reserves the right to edit material. Send your information to: KCDAA, attn: Mary Napier 1200 S.W. 10th Avenue Feel free to submit digital photos with your announcement! Topeka, Kansas 66604 (785) 232-5822 or e-mail: Deadlines for 2010: [email protected] Summer 2010: June 25 Fall 2010: October 22

14 The Kansas Prosecutor Spring 2010 KCDAA Milestones

Awards New Faces in law school at the University of Kansas. Norman graduated Wyandotte County DA Franklin County Attorney law school and passed the Deputy District Attorney James T. Ward is now Kansas bar exam in 2003. He Sheryl Lidtke was named the an Assistant Franklin County has worked in several different 2009 Prosecutor of The Year for Attorney. He began employment positions, including law clerk, the Wyandotte County District in the office in December 2009. private practice, KLS, and public Attorney’s office at an office Chad Sublet left the office and defender. He is married to luncheon in December. Sheryl is now a SAUSA with the U.S. Angela Stoller, originally from tried 12 cases in 2009 with nine Attorney’s Office in Wichita. Luray, Kan., and they have one guilty verdicts and one hung child, Abigail, 6 months old, and jury. Her case load consists of two dogs. Norman enjoys sports, homicides and child sexual abuse Leavenworth County Attorney fishing, hunting, reading, and cases. Congratulations Sheryl! Leavenworth County hired chess. Rae Anderson as an assistant county attorney. She graduated from the University of Kansas Retirements for her undergraduate degree and law school. After graduation, she Wyandotte County DA moved to Colorado and practiced Linda K. Fowler, Office as a Deputy District Attorney Manager for the Wyandotte in Fort Collins. She recently County District Attorney’s office, returned to Kansas to be near her retired on March 17, 2010 after family. 33 years of dedicated service. Although Linda has no immediate plans for her retirement, she will Riley County Attorney be spending a lot more time with Births Kendra Lewison, formerly her grandchildren. Linda was of the Johnson County District been the backbone of the office Sedgwick County DA Attorney’s Office has joined the and will be missed. Amanda Marino, Assistant Riley County Attorney’s office. District Attorney, in the 18th Kendra spent five years working Judicial District (Sedgwick under Paul Morrison. She will be County), and her husband prosecuting person felonies and Andrew, announce the arrival major crimes. of their daughter, Madeleine Louise, born November 11, 2009. She weighed 8 lbs. 12 Saline County Attorney ounces and was 21 inches long. Norman L. Davison, Jr. Tania Groover, Assistant has joined the Saline County District Attorney, in the 18th Attorney’s office as an assistant Judicial District (Sedgwick county attorney. Davidson grew County), and her husband up in Lake Charles, La. and George announce the arrival attended college at Louisiana of their daughter, Katherine State University, Baton Rouge. Anne, born March 4, 2010. She He earned a BS and MS degree weighed 8 lbs. 14 ounces and and worked as a biologist for was 20 inches long. several years before enrolling Spring 2010 The Kansas Prosecutor 15 Prosecutors Have a Duty to Give Back to Our Communities By Stephen M. Howe, Johnson County District Attorney and Jerome A. Gorman, Wyandotte County District Attorney

Community leaders and to you one such opportu- Both of our offices deal elected officials are often called nity that we recently experi- directly with Sunflower House upon for community service enced. In the summer of 2009, on a regular basis. The forensic and volunteerism outside of our Sunflower House asked each interviewing they provide as part elected or appointed jobs. Albert of us if we would be willing to of the police or SRS investiga- Schweitzer once said, “Wherever serve as co-chairs of their annual tion is comparable to none. The a man turns, he can find someone fundraiser event, which is an expert testimony provided in who needs him.” Library boards, annual dinner-auction-dance. I physical and sexual assault cases school committees, homeless think both of us immediately has provided prosecutors with shelters, battered women’s gasped and thought of the time the needed edge to obtain pleas shelters, food pantries, and commitment and the size of this and convictions in cases that are church leadership roles have long event. painful and difficult. occupied personal time of many a Sunflower House is a Every year Sunflower community leader. children’s advocacy center House holds a gala in conjunc- In our role as prosecutors, we founded in 1977 that provides tion with Valentine’s Day. The receive the very same requests the means to protect children in event provides about 17 percent to serve the community. We as Wyandotte and Johnson counties of Sunflower House’s annual leaders, the ministers of justice from physical and sexual abuse operating budget, so you can throughout our cities and counties, through education and advocacy. realize its importance. The gala should embrace these opportuni- Further, they provide forensic and is an extravagant black tie event ties as a chance to give back to the medical services in those unfortu- that is sponsored by many local greater good of our communities. nate situations where physical or businesses and attended by many We would like to describe sexual abuse has occurred. prominent persons from our counties. This year’s leading sponsor was the University of Kansas Hospital. The event was also attended by Congressman Dennis Moore and his wife Stephene, Congressman Todd Tiahrt, Governor Mark and Stacy Parkinson, Attorney General Steve and Betsy Six, Kansas State

Above: Co-chair Wyandotte County District Attorney Jerome and Vicki Gorman, Larry Moore, KMBZ Channel 9 news anchor, and Johnson County District Attorney Stephen and Cyndi Howe Right: Congressman Dennis and Stephene Moore

16 The Kansas Prosecutor Spring 2010 Senate Majority Leader Derek select the gala menu. same mission as we do to protect Schmidt, and State Senator Chris Actually, at the end of the the children of our communities. Steineger. The honorary chairper- night, we realized that the event All in all, we realized that our sons were former went well (except for Jerry volunteering helped Sunflower President Richard and Sue Bond. introducing the Governor as House and helped our communi- Therefore, it was hard to “Governor STEVE Parkinson”- ties. say no to Sunflower House. It oh well). Even more importantly, The special status we enjoy was clear that Sunflower House we helped Sunflower House raise in our communities as a critical needed us, but it was also nearly $170,000. In addressing cog in the justice system should perplexing that Sunflower House the gala attendees, Steve Howe, require and inspire us to return needed US. What could two Johnson County District Attorney, to our communities. We have prosecutors bring to the table? stated “Sunflower House relies on all been blessed to attend law It was certainly not our pretty the support from our community school and now practice law. faces, nor as we found out that leaders. . . Our goal is to show We believe it is our civic duty, if night, not our comedic routine. a united front in protecting our not moral duty, to return to our But, needless to say we agreed to children from abuse.” communities. What better way co-chair the gala. We feared the We met a lot of the faces than to assist a local agency that worst. behind Sunflower House and a lot gives to those less fortunate than The months leading up to the of great volunteers who share the ourselves. gala were a lot less Many prominent people painful than we both attended the Sunflower imagined. It consisted House Gala, including: of a few committee Left: Governor Mark and meetings, meetings Stacy Parkinson with our staff to plan Bottom Left: Cynthia our presentation Smith, former Sunflower House executive director, that night, and a few and former Kansas State pre-events. Our most Senate President Dick and important task was to Sue Bond meet with the chefs Bottom Right: Wyandotte at the Overland Park County DA Jerry Gorman Convention Center and United Missouri Bank to taste test and then President Craig Gaffney

Spring 2010 The Kansas Prosecutor 17 Attorney General’s Appellate Brief Checklist by Kristafer Ailslieger, Assistant Solicitor General Office of Kansas Attorney General Steve Six

Make Sure Your Appellate Briefs Get Approved by the AG’s Office

Under Kansas Supreme Court Rule 6.10, the With respect to citing facts, Rule 6.02(d) (and Attorney General’s Office must approve all appellate by reference, Rule 6.03(c)) states that “The facts briefs written by state prosecutors in criminal stated therein shall be keyed to the record on appeal and post-conviction appeals.1 This rule presum- by volume and page number so as to make verifica- ably stems from the statutory duty of the Attorney tion reasonably convenient. Any material statement General to appear for the State in proceedings made without such a reference may be presumed to before the appellate courts.2 And while it adds an be without support in the record.” What the Court extra step for county and district attorneys filing wants to see is that every sentence in which a fact is appellate briefs, it gives the Attorney General’s asserted ends with a citation to the record on appeal. staff an opportunity to identify issues of state-wide The method of merely citing the record at the end of importance, as well as to maintain consistency in a paragraph of factual statements does not truly meet arguments presented by the State and ensure that all the Court’s expectations and is highly discouraged. briefs filed on behalf of the State achieve the high Rules 6.02(e) and 6.03(d) both state that “Each standards the Court expects. issue shall begin with citation to the appropriate As a practical matter, the Attorney General’s standard of appellate review.” The Court will reject Office does not have the staff to thoroughly read briefs that do not include a standard of review for and edit every brief that comes in for approval. each issue. Briefs written by the Attorney General’s Generally speaking, we focus on the issue Office begin the discussion of each issue with a statements and scan the substance of the arguments, separate subsection entitled “Standard of Review.” seeking to identify novel or important issues and However, while this is the practice we recommend, ensure that the arguments made are consistent with it is not required, and it is acceptable to merely statewide policies and with the arguments made include the standard of review at the beginning of by other county or district attorneys on the same the body of the argument on a given issue. or similar issues. Then we look to ensure that While these are the two most common issues each brief meets the organizational and format- that we look for, we review each brief to ensure ting requirements of the Court and that it generally compliance with all of the Court’s rules. Therefore, presents a high quality work product befitting the as an aid both to us and to our fellow prosecutors, State. we have created the checklist found on the next The two most common issues that we find, and page to help ensure that all briefs meet the Court’s that will result in the Court rejecting a brief, include: standards. While the vast majority of briefs we (1) the failure to key every factual statement to the receive already meet or exceed the standards, we record, and (2) the failure to begin argument on each hope that this checklist will serve as an aid in brief issue with a citation to the appropriate standard of preparation, especially for those local prosecutors review. who do not frequently write appellate briefs.

Footnotes this state. No brief shall be filed by or on behalf of the State 1. Rule 6.10 states: of Kansas or any officer or agent thereof without the approval of the Attorney General or a member of the Attorney Gen- In all criminal matters and post conviction proceedings, eral’s staff endorsed thereon. copies of all briefs shall be served on the Attorney General of 2. See K.S.A. 75-702.

18 The Kansas Prosecutor Spring 2010 BRIEF APPROVAL CHECKLIST

Format (Sup. Ct. R. 6.07(a)): Contents (Sup. Ct. R. 6.03):*

____ Type: No smaller than 12 point ____ Table of Contents (Sup. Ct. R. 6.03(a)) ____ Margins: Left margin 1½”; all others, 1” ____ Nature of the Case ____ Spacing: Double spaced (except (not required, but preferred) block quotes) ____ Statement of the Issues Cover (Sup. Ct. R. 6.07(b)): (Sup. Ct. R. 6.03(b))

____ Color: Blue for Appellee ____ Factual Statement Yellow for Appellant (Sup. Ct. R. 6.03(c)) Grey for Reply ____ Facts keyed to the record ____ Case Number (Sup. Ct. R. 6.03(c))

____ Caption ____ Arguments and Authorities (Sup. Ct. R. 6.03(d)) ____ Lower court identified ____ Standard of Review ____ Attorney name, bar number, address (Sup. Ct. R. 6.03(d))

Binding (Sup. Ct. R. 6.07(c)): ____ Conclusion (not required by rule, but necessary) ____ Properly bound (spiral binding if in excess of 15 pages) ____ Signature Blocks (including signature of attorney) Length (Sup. Ct. R. 6.07(c)):

____ Within page limit

Principal brief, 50 pages w/ cross appeal, 60 pages Reply brief, 15 pages

____ Certificate of Service (Sup. Ct. R. 6.07(e))

* Because the State is almost always the appellee, reference is made to the rules concerning the requirements of the appellee’s brief. For the requirements of an appellant’s brief, see Sup. Ct. R. 6.02.

Spring* Because 2010 the State is almost always the appellee, reference is made to the rules concerningThe Kansasthe requirements Prosecutor of the 19 appellee’s brief. For the requirements of an appellant’s brief, see Sup. Ct. R. 6.02. Sufficiency of Evidence Must Be Taken Seriously by Marc Bennett, KCDAA Sex Crimes Division Deputy District Attorney, 18th Judicial District, Sedgwick County

When “sufficiency of the evidence” is raised 279 Kan. 563, 112 P.3d 883 (2005), created a conflict in an appellant’s brief, most of us chalk it up as a in alternative means case-law when it found harmless throw-away issue and a sign that the ADO ran out error where sufficient evidence existed as to only one of legitimate appeal issues. However, when it comes theory presented by the state and clearly insufficient to multiple means cases sufficiency of evidence, evidence as to the other. Citing Griffin v. United this is an issue Kansas prosecutors must take very States, 502 U.S. 46, 116 L. Ed. 2d 371, 112 S.Ct 466 seriously—especially in light of recent case law. (1991), the Dixon court held: What if tomorrow a witness reports to local law “[O]ne can reasonably assume the enforcement that she woke up to find she was being jury did not behave capriciously and penetrated by a suspect. She yelled “stop,” but he convict on a theory in which there was continued while telling her to “be quiet.” Do you no evidence, when there was strong charge rape accomplished by force, by fear, or as evidence supporting another theory.” a result of unconscious? On February 26, 2010, Dixon, 279 Kan. at 605-606. the Kansas Supreme Court made clear in State v. Wright, __ P.3d __, WL 672007 (2010) that Kansas The Wright court acknowledged the “obvious prosecutors who face these questions must either pragmatic appeal” of the Dixon/Griffin rule, but have evidence sufficient to support each theory of the unequivocally rejected the same: crime—“super-sufficiency” of evidence—or must “We are now persuaded that the demand a verdict form that specifically identifies [Wilson/]Timley alternative means rule the theory upon which the jury relied. Otherwise, is the only choice to ensure a criminal an appellate court has the ability to determine that defendant’s statutory entitlement to jury insufficient evidence was presented as to one theory unanimity. Any contrary language in and thereby, set aside the entire verdict. Dixon is specifically disapproved.” In Wright, the defendant was a massage therapist hired by the victim. The day of the massage, Wright Citing the evidence that penetration occurred offered the victim a “full-body” massage which she while the victim was unconscious and continued after accepted. Dozing off at one point, the victim awoke she awoke and “tensed up,” the Wright court found to the feeling of Wright’s finger moving “in and out sufficient evidence to support all theories presented, of her vagina.” The victim reported she was paralyzed and upheld the conviction. with fear, tensed up and ultimately left the massage. For Kansas Prosecutors though, the lesson is At the request of Defendant, a general verdict form clear: clarify. Charge your theory of the case as was used that allowed the jury to find Wright either simply as possible. Re-evaluate your case at the time guilty of rape or not guilty—despite elements instruc- of instructions and jettison any theories not supported tions that defined rape in three separate ways: force, by evidence. Most importantly, make sure your fear, or unconsciousness. verdict form succinctly parses out each theory. Rape When faced with alternative means of by force: guilty or not guilty. Rape by Fear: guilty accomplishing an act, the rule has long been, “if the or not guilty. Rape due to unconsciousness: guilty verdict can be justified on either of two interpretations or not guilty. And so on. This is infinitely simpler of the evidence . . . the verdict cannot be impeached than trying to convince an appellate court two years by showing that part of the jury proceeded upon one later that you presented “super-sufficient” evidence interpretation of the evidence and part on another.” sufficient to support each theory of your case. State v. Wilson, 220 Kan. 341, 345, 552 P.2d 931 In short, don’t try a great case only to lose on (1976); see also State v. Timley, 255 Kan. 286, 875 appeal due not to a general lack of evidence, but due P.2d 242 (1994). instead to a lack of evidence as to one theory of your The Wright court recognized that State v. Dixon, case. 20 The Kansas Prosecutor Spring 2010 National Academy of Science Study by Karen C. Wittman, Assistant Attorney General Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor Forensic Science: How Can We Make it Better?

Congress authorized the National Academy The Committee consisted of members of the of Science (NAS) to conduct a study on forensic forensic science community, the legal community, science under the Science, State, Justice, Commerce, and a diverse group of scientists. The committee and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2006.1 met on eight occasions from 2006 through 2008. The Forensic Science Committee was charged as During the meetings, experts provided testimony follows: on a multitude of topics. When not in meetings, the committee members reviewed published materials, • assess the present and future resource studies, and reports related to the forensic science needs of the forensic science community to disciplines. Although the committee could not include: state and local crime labs, medical address all the issues raised, or figure out solutions examiners, and coroners; to all the problems, the committee did agree on 13 • make recommendations for maximizing the specific recommendations to address what they felt use of forensic technologies and techniques were the most pressing issues. to solve crimes, investigate deaths, and This overview is to provide some insight into protect the public; their findings. The author of this article highly • identify potential scientific advances that encourages you to read the entire report. A PDF may assist law enforcement in using forensic version is available from the National Academies technologies and techniques to protect the Press at: http://www.nap.edu/catalog/12589.html. public; • make recommendations for programs that Recommendation 1: will increase the number of qualified forensic Congress should establish and appropriate funds scientists and medical examiners available to for an independent federal entity, the National work in public crime laboratories; Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS). • disseminate best practices and guidelines concerning the collection and analysis of REASONING: forensic evidence to help ensure quality and As a prosecutor knows, crime labs throughout consistency in the use of forensic technolo- the country are under-resourced and understaffed. gies and techniques to solve crimes, investi- Trying to overcome stifling backlogs, lack of gate deaths, and protect the public; personnel, lack of qualified personnel, lack of • examine the role of the forensic community equipment, meeting the demands of the criminal in the homeland security mission; justice system, prioritizing cases, and producing the • [examine] interoperability of Automated highest quality work is a cumbersome task. With Fingerprint Information Systems [AFIS]; and all that in mind, there is little time for research or • examine additional issues pertaining to the sharing of information between the disciplines. forensic science as determined by the Disciplines within the forensic arena range widely Committee. from police personnel doing forensic work (i.e. fingerprint examinations) to the highly technical Footnotes field of DNA analysis and Forensic Pathology. 1. Enacted November 22, 2005; P.L. No. 109-108, 119 There is also little supervision unless the laboratory State. 2290 (2005) voluntarily submits to accreditation. Spring 2010 The Kansas Prosecutor 21 The committee determined there was a need “consistent with,” are all used in reporting over outside the “law enforcement community” (i.e. many disciplines. Although they are sometimes used FBI) for an organization that would direct research, interchangeably, they may be interpreted differently promote quality standards, set educational standards, in the criminal justice system. Unfortunately even and oversee that quality was being produced in each within the disciplines, there is not a consensus on discipline. Their suggestion was the creation of the how things should be reported, hence, again a reason National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS). for oversight and standards. Forensic science serves more than just law Also lacking is the completeness of the labora- enforcement, but when it does serve law enforce- tory report. Most reporting contains a short descrip- ment, it must be equally available to law enforce- tion of the item analyzed with results. There are ment officers, prosecutors, and defendants in some Scientific Working Groups (SWG) within the the criminal justice system. The entity that forensic profession that have standards, templates, is established to govern the forensic science and protocols for reporting. However, they are not community cannot be principally beholden to law uniformly or consistently used. enforcement.2 Forensic reports and any courtroom testimony They propose NIFS governance must be strong stemming from them must include clear character- enough and --- independent enough --- to identify izations of the limitations of the analyses including the limitations of forensic methodologies and associated probabilities where possible. Again, in must be well-connected with the nation’s scientific order to attain this, research must be undertaken to research base in order to affect meaningful advances evaluate the reliability of the steps of the various in forensic science practices. NIFS should be able to identification methods and the confidence intervals identify standards and enforce them.3 For example: associated with the overall conclusions.5 if NIFS sets criteria for a particular type of analysis and determines the equipment and staffing with Recommendation 3: specific educational requirements necessary to meet Research is needed to address issues of accuracy, the standards for quality analysis, then a laboratory reliability, and validity in the forensic science not meeting those requirements could not provide disciplines. that laboratory service. REASONING: Recommendation 2: Clearly, any scientific or technical evidence The NIFS, after reviewing established standards presented in court needs to be of the highest quality. such as ISO 170254, and in consultation with One of the weakest parts of the presentation for its advisory board, should establish standard prosecutors is the lack of research when the science terminology to be used in reporting on and testifying is questioned in court.6 “In many areas of forensic about the results of forensic science investigations science little systematic research has been conducted and establish model lab reports. to validate the field’s basic premises and techniques, and often there is no justification why such research REASONING: would not be feasible.”7 “Identical,” “match,” “similar in all respects There are several explanations for this: forensic tested,” “cannot be excluded as the source of,” and practice grew out of the law enforcement arena and 2. NAS report page 80 cal operations. Laboratory customers, regulatory authori- 3. NAS report page 79 ties and accreditation bodies may also use it in confirming 4. ISO/IEC 17025: specifies the general requirements for the or recognizing the competence of laboratories. ISO stands competence to carry out tests and/or calibrations. It covers for International Organization for Standardization. testing and calibration performed using standard methods, 5. NAS report page. 186 non-standard methods, and laboratory-developed methods. 6. NAS report pg. 187 It is applicable to all organizations performing tests and/or 7. NAS report pg. 187 quoting Giannelli from his work P.C. calibrations. is for use by laboratories in developing their Giannelli. 2001 Scientific Evidence in Civil and Crimi- management system for quality, administrative and techni- nal Cases. Arizona State Law Journal 103:112

22 The Kansas Prosecutor Spring 2010 not the scientific arena, many disciplines work on knowing “who the bad guy is” play into what results an apprenticeship framework, and many scientific are reported? Is it possible to measure how this funding sources do not see forensic science as part information biases the analyst? This recommen- of the science base they need to support. dation suggests we look into the error rate of the Therefore, there must be a source of revenue analysis based on the information the analyst knows for research geared to forensic endeavors and that about the crime and/or suspect. source cannot come directly from a “law enforce- ment” source, whereby possibly tainting the Recommendation 6: credibility of the outcome. Congress should authorize and fund NIFS to work with the National Institute of Standards and Recommendation 4: Technology (NIST) to advance validation, reliability, Congress should authorize and appropriate funds and establish protocols for forensic examinations. to remove all public forensic laboratories and facili- ties from the administrative control of law enforce- REASONING: ment agencies or prosecutors’ offices. If we have uniformity in analysis and reporting, there will tend to be less error. Scientific Working REASONING: Groups (SWGs) have been created for a number Almost all forensic laboratories throughout the of disciplines to establish validated and reliable country are under the auspices of some law enforce- methods in which to formulate an identification. ment group. Although all forensic labs operate There are a number of SWGs that are currently in with the intent to obtain scientific results without existence to set standards. The standards set include: consideration of law enforcement interests it does guidelines for training, analysis, and expressing have what some people would consider a “look of conclusions of analysis. Currently the FBI labora- impropriety.” Clearly, this is a lofty goal. tory sponsors the following groups:

Recommendation 5: SWGGUN Firearms and Toolmarks The NIFS should encourage research programs SWGDOC Forensic Documents on human observer bias and sources of human error SWGMAT Materials Analysis in forensic examinations in an attempt to minimize SWGDAM DNA Analysis Methods potential bias and sources of human error in forensic practice. SWGSTAIN Bloodstain Pattern Analysis SWGDOG Dog and Orthogonal Detector REASONING: Guidelines Quoting Lt. Horatio Caine from a scene in CSI: SWGFACT Forensic Analysis of Chemical Miami (regarding a suspect saying he isn’t going Terrorism to be able to prove anything): “That is a very dumb SWGFARM Forensic Analysis of Radiological 8 thing to say to a CSI.” Materials This statement implies CSI will find informa- SWGFAST Friction Ridge Analysis, Study tion, which will implicate the suspect. Most forensic and Technology personnel are far removed from the day-to-day investigation of the crime. However, there are SWGMGF Microbial Genetics and Forensics instances when the investigative body does give SWGTREAD Shoeprint and Tire Tread facts and information to the analyst. How does Evidence that information play into the analysis? How does There is also a SWGDRUG, which is the 8. Conversation between James Fukes and Horatio Caine working group for Analysis of Seized Drugs, but it is in CSI Miami episode “Double Cap,” 19th episode in sponsored by the DEA and not the FBI. It is encour- the first season; first aired on March 31, 2003 aging these groups do exist. However, laboratories

Spring 2010 The Kansas Prosecutor 23 are not required to follow these guidelines as these • Kansas Bureau of Investigation Kansas City are voluntary programs. Forensic Laboratory, Kansas City, KS • Kansas Bureau of Investigation Pittsburg Recommendation 7: Forensic Laboratory, Pittsburg, KS Laboratory accreditation and individual certifi- • Kansas Bureau of Investigation Topeka cation of forensic science professionals should be Forensic Laboratory, Topeka, KS mandatory, and all forensic science professionals • Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science should have access to a certification process. Center, Wichita, KS

REASONING: CERTIFICATION ACCREDITATION In renowned forensic anthropologist Kathy Most forensic analysts would agree there must Reich’s book, 206 Bones9 heroine, Temperance be mandatory accreditation and certification. The “Bones” Brennan proclaims: “Forensic science is American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors popular right now, and people with minimal or no (ASCLD) is dedicated to the standardization of training are hot to be players.” Brennan continues: crime labs in the United States. Their directives are: “Board certification isn’t a perfect answer…sure some incompetents slip through, just as in law 1. To improve the quality of laboratory or medicine. But it is a start. The letters behind services; a scientist’s name aren’t just for show. They’re 2. To develop and maintain criteria to assess hard-earned. And they’re a message that an expert its level of performance and to strengthen its has undergone peer scrutiny and meets a high set of operation; ethical standards. And being certified in one field 3. To provide an independent, impartial, and doesn’t mean you’re an expert in another.”10 objective system; and Although the accreditation process primarily 4. To offer users of the laboratory a means of addresses the management system, technical identifying those which have demonstrated methods, and quality of the work of a laboratory that they meet established standards. (which includes the education and training of staff), certification is a process specifically designed to They have set up a website for anyone to check ensure the competency of the individual examiner.11 to determine whether or not a lab has been accred- Certification requires meeting mandatory undergrad- ited. See www.ascld-lab.org for a state-by-state uate and graduate degrees depending on which review. Unfortunately ASCLD accreditation is a discipline you wish to receive certification in. It voluntary process. The report suggests this should requires mandatory proficiency testing, both written be a mandatory process and if you have not met the and practical. It also would require adhering to a specifications, you cannot analyze and report results. code of ethics. Even the American Bar Associa- The following Kansas labs have met or exceeded tion (ABA) is making suggestions. They are ASCLD standards and are accredited: recommending certification standards be required of • Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Criminalis- examiners, including “demanding written examina- tics Laboratory, Mission, KS tion, proficiency testing, continuing education, • Kansas Bureau of Investigation Great Bend recertification procedures and ethical code, and Forensic Laboratory, Great Bend, KS effective disciplinary procedures.” 12

9. Reichs, Kathy, 206 Bones, Scribner Book Company, cess, Achieving Justice: Freeing the Innocent, Convicting ISBN 0743294394, (2009) the Guilty. P.C. Giannelli and M. Raeder (eds.) Chicago: 10. Ibid pg. 302 ABA pg. 7 see also Criminal Justice Section Resolu- 11. NAS report pg. 208 tions Going to the ABA House of Delegates in February 12. NAS report pg. 208-209 citing ABA 2006 Report of 2010 Report 102A: www.abanet.org/crimjust/policy/mid- the ABA Criminal Justice Section’s Ad Hoc Innocence year2010/policymidyear2010.doc-2009-12-16 Committee to Ensure the Integrity of the Criminal Pro-

24 The Kansas Prosecutor Spring 2010 Recommendation 8: Recommendation 9: Forensic laboratories should establish routine There should be a national code of ethics for quality assurance and quality control procedures all forensic science disciplines. The code should to ensure the accuracy of forensic analyses and the contain enforcement procedures for serious work of forensic practitioners. violations.

REASONING: REASONING: Proficiency testing is conducted for a variety of Many organizations have ethical codes, like reasons, including: the American Academy of Forensic Science17, the 1. To determine the performance of individual Midwest Association of Forensic Science,18 and the laboratories for specific tests or measure- California Association of Criminalists19 to name ments and to monitor laboratories’ continuing a few. The problem with ethical codes tied to an performance; organization is the person must be a member of the 2. To identify problems in laboratories and organization for it to be enforced. So if a person initiate remedial actions, which may be chooses not to be a member of any organization, related to, for example, individual staff they have no ethical code that governs them. performance or the calibration of instrumen- Even if a person wished to join an organiza- tation; tion with an ethical code, some have enforcement 3. To determine the performance characteristics procedures and due process rights and others do of a method and to establish the effectiveness not. Even if it is found they may have breached an and comparability of new tests or measure- ethical duty, there may not be a way to “take action” ment methods; or against the person. 4. To assign values to reference materials and Therefore, the NAS report suggests a uniform assess their suitability for use in specific tests code across all forensic organizations that all or measurement procedures.13 analysts and laboratories have to abide by.

Proficiency testing has been addressed in court.14 Recommendation 10: It is best if the proficiency test is a “blind test” to the Congress should authorize and appropriate funds person doing the analysis. This means the person to NIFS to establish education programs and to is unaware it is a test. ASCLD recommends at improve and develop graduate education programs. least one blind proficiency test be performed by an NIFS should also support law schools in establishing 15 examiner each year. DNA protocols require two. CLE programs for law students, practitioners, and It only makes sense that an examiner should be judges. tested periodically to ensure quality assurance and to detect any problems with protocols and equipment. REASONING: There are a number of private companies that A requirement for an entry-level position in most 16 prepare and sell proficiency tests. Again this is a crime labs is at least a bachelor’s degree in natural voluntary program and a costly one. science or forensic science and many labs require

13. NAS report pg. 207 citing European Network of Foren- pdf/aslabinternproficiencyreviewprogram.pdf sic Science Institutes. 2005 Guidance on the Conduct 16. See http://www.forensic-testing.net/ and http://www. of Proficienty tests and Collaborative Exercises Within. orchidcellmark.com/forensicdna/iqasproficiency.html ENFSI. Available at www.enfsi.eu/uploads/files/QCC- and http://www.ctsforensics.com/default.aspx PT-001-003.pdf. 17. http://www.aafs.org/default.asp?section_id=aafs&page_ 14. United States v. Llera Plaza, 188 F.Supp.2d 549, 565, id=aafs_bylaws#article2 568 (E.D. Pa. 2002) 18. http://www.mafs.net/index.php?id=codeofethics 15. ASCLD Laboratory Accreditation Board Proficiency 19. http://www.cacnews.org/membership/handbook.shtml Review Program see http://www.ascld-lab.org/legacy/

Spring 2010 The Kansas Prosecutor 25 a year or two of experience with a master’s degree. judges the pivotal issues in the areas of science that Since the popularity of programs like CSI, there are often subject to dispute.22 has been an influx of persons seeking this type of There has been some effort by scientific degree. With interest, comes programs at universi- organizations, such as ASCLD and the American ties that may or may not rise to the level needed for Prosecutors Research Institute (APRI) to provide a forensic science position. Laboratories are forced training and technical assistance, but again these are to evaluate each student individually to determine voluntary programs. his/her suitability for a given position. The NAS report suggests the best way is to offer The Forensic Science Education Program more courses while in law school to students in the Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) created a forensic disciplines, statistics and/or basic science process to accredit undergraduate and graduate methodology, or to provide credit for students programs.20 As of January 16, 2008, there have wishing to take courses in those fields.23 been 16 programs that have met the rigorous standards and accordingly have been accredited by Recommendation 11: FEPAC. For a listing of them go to: http://www. Congress should authorize and allocate funds to aafs.org/default.asp?section_id=resources&page_ states and jurisdictions to establish medical examiner id=accredited_programs. With more and more systems. Funding should also be used to develop universities being accredited, the programs that do and promote standards for best practices, adminis- not meet these standards will eventually disappear tration, staffing, education, training, and continuing due to the competitive nature of the employment education for competent death scene investigation arena. and postmortem examinations. Also, what is needed is to educate the legal 21 profession. The Daubert decision requires the REASONING: judge to be a gatekeeper. The gatekeeping function As noted throughout the report, standardiza- requires the judge to evaluate the evidence to tion is crucial to help eliminate error. To that end, determine if the methodology of the technique is the medical examiners system is a hodgepodge of grounded in science and if so the studies/findings different types of systems ranging from justice of are admissible. As in most law schools the word the peace/coroner --- individuals with little or no ‘science’ is a four letter word and many law students training --- to certified medical examiners who are shy away from science courses. licensed physicians. Coroner qualifications vary There have been some steps taken in an attempt widely in the U.S., from no statutory qualifica- to educate the legal profession. After the Daubert tions in Alabama and Arkansas, to qualification as a decision, the Federal Judicial Center published licensed physician like in Kansas. Just how bad it is the Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence, and can be summarized by a 2007 newspaper headline: a second edition was issued in 2000 to facilitate “Teen Becomes Indiana’s Youngest Coroner.”24 the process of identifying and narrowing issues The National Institute of Justice has attempted concerning scientific evidence by outlining for to provide guidance for best practices with such

20. See FEPAC Accreditation Standards. Available at pdf/$file/sciman00.pdf www.aafs.org/pdf/FEPAC%20Accreditation%20Stan- 23 NAS Report pg. 236 dards%20_082307_.pdf 24 See http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/ 21. Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 509 U.S. n/a/2007/05/12/national/a062146D47.DTL 579, 125 L.Ed.2d 469, 113 S.Ct. 2786 (1993); See also “Amanda Barnett, 18, had to receive special permission to Kumho Tire Co., Ltd. v. Carmichael, 526 U.S. 137, 143 attend a certification class given by the Indiana State L.Ed.2d 238, 119 S.Ct. 1167 (1999) Coroners Training Board because she was only 17 when 22. Citing NAS report page 234: Federal Judicial Center. it began. She scored 97 percent on the test, submitted 2000. Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence, nd2 ed., four case reports and attended an autopsy….she will p. vi. See also the entire second edition available online graduate high school next year. (2007) http://www.fjc.gov/public/pdf.nsf/lookup/sciman00.

26 The Kansas Prosecutor Spring 2010 things as Death Investigation: A Guide for the Scene within the patterns i.e. ridge ending, bifurcation, and Investigator25 and Medicolegal Death Investigator: short ridge (or dot)) and coordinating jurisdictional A systematic Training Program for the Professional agreements and public policies that would allow Death Investigator.26 The National Association of law enforcement agencies to share fingerprint data Medical Examiners (NAME) has created Autopsy more broadly. WIN is a good example that it can be Standards and Inspection Checklist and Forensic done, but it will require persuading AFIS vendors Pathology Autopsy Standards.27 But as with to cooperate and collaborate with the law enforce- everything, these are not mandatory guidelines. ment community and researchers to create and use The NAS report suggests moving to a Medical baseline standards for sharing fingerprint image and Examiner system throughout the United States, minutiae data. accreditation for quality assurance,28 get a SWG group to determine the standards, and require Recommendation 13: continuing medical education. Congress should provide funding to the NIFS to prepare, in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Recommendation 12: Control and Prevention and the FBI, forensic Congress should authorize and appropriate funds scientists and crime scene investigators for their for the NIFS to launch a new broad-based effort to potential roles in managing and analyzing evidence achieve nationwide fingerprint data interoperability. from events that affect homeland security.

REASONING: REASONING: AFIS has certainly improved the efficiency and Forensic Science played a very important role in reduced the amount of time it takes to identify a the investigation of the first bombing of the World given individual from a fingerprint or to conduct Trade Center in New York City (1993), and the a background investigation. However, many Oklahoma City bombing (1995).30 For Homeland law enforcement AFIS programs are standalone Security, forensic science plays not only in the systems and are only limited in the amount of prints traditional roles of inferring what happened at the placed in the system. There is in existence some crime scene and who was involved, but also contrib- regional AFIS systems (i.e. Western Identifica- utes more intensively to generating investigative tion Network29). Some agencies have access to the leads and directing or redirecting lines of investiga- FBI’s database, however, that is again a standalone tion.31 Usually, this type of investigation is done by system. With all these different systems, it requires many federal and military investigative groups rather putting the information into more than one system than local medical and law enforcement entities. at different times and delay in getting access to the Federal efforts to develop forensic science systems. methods is relatively new. Construction of the new NAS has suggested a broad-based AFIS interop- $143 million National Bio-defense Analysis and erability system that would allow consistency with Countermeasures Center (NBACC) Laboratory32 mapping of the minutiae (unique features found facility was completed in March 2009. Once fully

25 http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles/167568.pdf included in WIN are: The Immigration and Naturaliza- 26. Clark, Steve ISBN: 096512990X/ ISBN-13: tion Service (INS), the Postal Inspection Service and the 9780965129909 Secret Service all joined WIN and became operational in 27. http://thename.org/index.php?option=com_ 1991. The Internal Revenue Service became operational docman&task=doc_download&gid=18&Itemid=26 in 1993. The Federal Bureau of Investigation became 28. At the present time NAME has only accredited 54 medi- operational in September 1997 and the Drug Enforce- cal/coroner systems in the United States. ment Administration became operational in 1998. 29. http://www.winid.org Encompasses Alaska, California, 30. NAS report pg. 279-280 Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, Montana, Utah, Washington and 31. NAS report pg. 280 Wyoming and the number of searchable fingerprint re- 32. See http://www.dhs.gov/files/labs/gc_1166211221830. cords now include more than 22 million fingerprints also shtm

Spring 2010 The Kansas Prosecutor 27 operational, NBACC will employ a staff of 150 with CONCLUSION: an annual operations budget of $50 million. There To summarize after reading the 300 page are a number of other programs being sponsored by assessment: The complexity of the report distills the federal government, which shows a commitment down to two fundamental issues: the need for to forensic science and homeland security. both standardization and resources in the forensic The separation between the forensic community community.33 in each state and a central/federal forensic center As a prosecutor, I find it refreshing to find a stems from the heavy commitments of local agencies move toward standardization and quality assurance. and the day-to-day operations and backlogs. Also I think this will make the job of presenting many homeland security issues require specialized this information much easier and less apt to be expertise, which may require access to information challenged. However, you may think this is just this is protected by security classification. fodder for cross-examination of the state’s witness. With all of this going on, it will still be local law I look at it as weeding out the charlatans and enforcement and medical examiners who will be first experts-for-hire. If these so called experts want to to the scene and the federal forensic staff will have testify, they need to use standardized procedures to utilize some of the resources of local agencies. and be certified. If they aren’t, maybe in the future, Due to this interaction, it will be helpful to have the a motion in limine will suffice to exclude a defense suggestions made by this NAS report for medical expert. (Another lofty goal.) examiners and the forensic science community that could greatly enhance the capabilities of homeland 33. ASCLD Comments on the Release of the NAS Report security. on Forensic Science, Feb. 19, 2009.

Do you have an article idea for the Kansas Prosecutor? Do you want to submit an article?

If so, send an e-mail to Mary Napier, editor, at [email protected].

Next submission deadline: June 25, 2010.

You can find archives of the Kansas Prosecutor in the members only section at www.kcdaa.org.

28 The Kansas Prosecutor Spring 2010 Spring Report by Kim T. Parker, Chief Deputy District Attorney, 18th Judicial District Vice President, NDAA Board of Directors

NDAA Board of Directors Spring Meeting ~ Charleston, South Carolina

The spring meeting of the National District restored Pullman dining car, picnic in lush vineyards, Attorneys Association was held in Charleston, South and then enjoy some of the finest wineries and best Carolina April 8-11, 2010. The meeting was signifi- restaurants in the nation. Don’t miss this great confer- cant as it was the first joint meeting of the NDAA ence, all at an affordable price. Check it out and Board of Directors and the Criminal Justice Section register online at www.ndaa.org. of the American Bar Association. This joint meeting was made possible by the well-respected District National Advocacy Center Attorney of Brooklyn, New York, Joe Hynes. DA Columbia, South Carolina Hynes has long served the NDAA and now also Efforts to provide excellent prosecutor training currently serves as the Chair of the ABA Criminal continue in full force at the National Advocacy Justice Section. The primary achievement during this Center. An increase of nearly one million dollars meeting was the adoption of a Joint Resolution urging over FY2009 occurred, so the Center received $1.175 trial and appellate courts to distinguish between million in funding for FY2010. This increase in “prosecutor error” and “prosecutor misconduct” to funding was due in large part to the grassroots efforts more accurately describe a lawyer’s action and to from county and district attorneys across the nation avoid unfairly damaging a lawyer’s reputation and contacting and writing letters of support to members impairing a lawyer’s professional advancement. of Congress. However, it is once again time to write and contact our Kansas Congressional members for NDAA Summer Conference the FY2011 appropriations cycle. The NDAA has July 11-14-2010 submitted more than 70 project requests for NAC Silverado Resort - Napa, California funding for prosecutor training, so our individual Make your plans to attend the 2010 NDAA support for these requests are critical in a time of Summer Conference, featuring keynote speakers: shrinking spending. (See the sample letter on Page Sandra Day O’Connor, former United States Supreme 30 and send your letter of support for the National Court Justice; Brooks Douglass, a homicide survivor Advocacy Center to your congressional leaders.) and former Oklahoma State Senator; Congressman Ted Poe, 2nd Congressional District of Texas; and John R. Justice Loan famed forensic psychiatrist Dr. Park Dietz. On the Repayment Program course agenda are many other outstanding presenters For the first time, FY2010 funding in the providing current legal education, making this a amount of $10 million in loan repayments is top-notch seminar on relevant and pressing prosecu- available for state and local prosecutors along with tion topics. public defenders. The NDAA has been lobbying Get your CLE in an exquisite setting at reason- for student loan forgiveness on behalf of state and able rates at the Silverado Resort, www.silverador- local prosecutors in Congress for several years esort.com. Bring your family. Refocus. Re-energize. and this is a MAJOR VICTORY! NDAA worked Rejuvenate. And, experience this world-class closely with several stakeholder groups, including destination in the heart of wine country. Enjoy a the American Bar Association and the National breathtaking hot air balloon ride over gorgeous Napa Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers to make Valley, take the Wine Train and dine aboard a lavishly this happen. The NDAA through Jason Baker, Spring 2010 The Kansas Prosecutor 29 Director of Government Affairs, is working with me at [email protected] or Nola Foulston, the Department of Justice to work out the details Kansas State Director, at [email protected]. of the implementation strategy. A process of implementation and application is expected by this Membership summer. If you are not currently a member of NDAA, I personally urge you to become involved in this New Hires at NDAA worthwhile organization. This association has a long Executive Director Scott Burns announced standing history of providing excellent education, the hiring of a new grants manager, Patrick St. training to stateNational and Districtlocal prosecutors Attorneys Association across the 44 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 110, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 Clair coming to us with extended experience of nation, and 7effectively 0 3 . 5 4 9 . 9 representing2 2 2 / 7 0 3 . 8 6 our 3 . 3 interests1 9 5 F a x at a grant writing. Patrick has spent the past 10 years national levelwww. as then d aVoice a . o r gof America’s Prosecutors. providing grant management and financial support Join now online at www.ndaa.org. for the Department of Justice, Office of DRAFT LETTER FOR NAC SUPPORT – FY11 Justice Programs (OJP) as a Senior Financial Date Here Assistant. Patrick is The Honorable very aware of grant 999 XXXXXX Office Building compliance require- Washington, DC ments, is a great person, and will be Dear Member of Congress: a great addition to On behalf of (YOUR STATE ASSOCIATION) we would like to thank you for the funding our NDAA Family. contained in the FY’10 Consolidated Appropriations Act for NDAA’s National Advocacy Center Scott Burns also (NAC). We appreciate your continued support for America’s prosecutors and thank you for your announced the hiring steadfast leadership on criminal justice matters within the . of a very talented Chief NDAA has conducted state and local prosecutor training at the National Advocacy Center, in Financial Officer, Tom conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice, since 1998 and the program is currently Harrison, to make our authorized (Public Law No: 110-424) through FY 2012 at a yearly funding level of $4.75 million. financial situation our The goal of the NAC is to equip thousands of state and local prosecutors from all 50 states with the advocacy skills to effectively represent their communities and constituents in the courtroom in number one priority. order to ensure community safety. With 95% of criminal cases in America handled by state and local prosecutors, the NAC has been a valuable and highly-successful national training program Prosecution for over a decade. Issues As you know, the NAC received $1.175 million in funding through a project request out of the NDAA continues Byrne Discretionary Grant program within the FY’10 Consolidated Appropriations Act. While to keep an eye on the we appreciate all federal assistance provided for the NAC by the United States Congress, the National Academy of NAC simply cannot sustain itself at this level of funding. Sciences Report, the Simply put, these are desperate times for the NAC. If the current trends in decreased funding Webb bill, and any continue, the NAC will be forced to close its doors and will be unable to provide the desperately- other issues that may needed courtroom training and expertise for close to 3,000 new prosecutors each year. We know affect state and local that you have one of the most difficult jobs on Capitol Hill – especially during an increasingly difficult budget environment. On behalf of (YOUR STATE ASSOCIATION) and the National prosecutors across District Attorneys Association, it is our hope you will work to support increased funding for the nation. If you are NDAA’s National Advocacy Center to its authorized level of $4.75 million for FY 2011. Thank experiencing issues you for all that you do for America’s prosecutors. that you believe can Respectfully, be addressed through Download this word document at www.kcdaa.org, change it NDAA, please contact for your needs, and send it to your legislators today!

30 The Kansas Prosecutor Spring 2010

To Be the Voice of America’s Prosecutors and to Support Their Efforts to Protect the Rights and Safety of the People KCDAA Spring Conference

Thursday, June 10 - Friday, June 11, 2010 Hyatt Regency Hotel Wichita, KS

“Trials of the Century” Kansas County and District PRSRT STD Attorneys Association U.S. Postage PAID 1200 S.W. Tenth Avenue Permit No. 9 Topeka, Kansas 66604 Topeka, KS Change Service Requested