Press Release: Campaign for National Forensic Science Standards Launches Professor Network
(Washington, DC; November 18, 2009) Today, the Campaign for National Forensic Science Standards, an advocacy campaign committed to establishing national standards for the use of forensic sciences in criminal prosecutions, launched University Professors for National Forensic Science Standards that currently includes representatives in 11 states. Members of the network are listed here.
"The academic community understands these issues from every angle — the importance of solid science, the need for commonly understood standards, and the real-world implications on our criminal justice system,” said Stephen Saloom, Policy Director at the Innocence Project, which is affiliated with Cardozo School of Law and convenes the Campaign for National Forensic Science Standards. “These professors are keenly aware of the role that reliable evidence plays in ensuring we have a reliable criminal justice system. Creating national forensic standards that are supported by research is critical to ensuring that the true perpetrators of crimes are caught and prosecuted.”
“The academic community has a central role to play in the validation and development of forensic science standards,” said Erin Murphy, Assistant Professor at UC Berkeley School of Law and Visiting Professor of Law at NYU School of Law. “In every other area of science — consider for example the fields of health, engineering or technology — the contributions of academic researchers are considered essential. Forensic science should be no different. The criminal justice system has everything to gain and nothing to lose from the expertise of concerned and qualified researchers. Scholars and scientists can help improve the work of police and prosecutors, which in turn makes the public safer and protects the innocent."
In February, the National Academy of Sciences issued a groundbreaking report finding that a variety of non-DNA forensics had never been validated for accuracy or reliability, and a blue-ribbon panel of experts called for the creation of an independent, science-based federal entity to improve the strength of the forensic sciences. Evaluating forensics is critical because unvalidated or improper forensic science contribute to over 50% of wrongful convictions that have been overturned with DNA testing. This lack of scientific standards slows down and misleads law enforcement investigations, leaving the real perpetrators on the streets. In contrast, accurate forensics will lead to more efficient and effective prosecutions.
For more information, contact Ellie Collinson at (719) 331-8291.