Just Science Coalition: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Just Science Coalition?
The Just Science Coalition is an emerging coalition that will include individuals and organizations working for reform of the forensic sciences. Our mission is to advocate for the governmental framework and resources necessary to ensure that forensic sciences in the United States are valid and reliable, and that their use in the criminal justice system promotes accurate justice: the identification of the guilty, the protection of the innocent, and safety and justice for victims and communities.
We support the reforms called for by the National Academy of Sciences' recent report, Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward. The NAS specifically advised creating an independent, science-based federal entity capable of helping validate forensic tools and techniques and of overseeing the development of standards for their use. The coalition supports independent scientific research, national standard setting, and establishment of quality assurances critical to meaningful forensics reform as recommended by the NAS.
What is the Campaign for National Forensic Science Standards?
The Campaign for National Forensic Science Standards is an educational campaign of the Just Science Coalition, helping to build awareness and support for forensic reform across the nation and advocating with policymakers to make reform happen.
What is the National Outreach Network of the Campaign?
The National Outreach Network is a sub-group of coalition members who act as point people and advisors for the campaign from states nationwide. Network members serve as spokespeople for forensic reform in their communities, provide perspective from the field and build local support for national reform.
Who are the members of the coalition?
The coalition is emerging, and it is open to both individuals and organizations. It will include scientists, legal experts, law enforcement professionals, criminal justice reform advocates, academics, forensic science practitioners - and interested citizens who recognize the need for the fundamental reform of forensic sciences, including improved reliability and scientific validity.
Are national groups part of the coalition?
We are in the process of meeting with a range of stakeholders including law enforcement, prosecutors, scientists, academics and civil rights organizations. There is tremendous support for reform; people who work and engage with the criminal justice system understand the costs of unvalidated forensics, which include less safe communities, time lost for law enforcement investigating and prosecuting the wrong person.
Is there a broad base of support for this reform, or is it only criminal justice advocates?
A diverse range of people, knowledgeable about both the science of forensics and the criminal justice system, recognize the need for federal action to improve the science and application of forensics across the board.
As part of the Campaign for National Forensic Science Standards, in the coming weeks, the coalition will be announcing Leadership Teams for several key stakeholder affinity groups who support forensic reform efforts, including the following:
- Law Enforcement for National Forensic Standards
- Crime Victims and Victims' Families for National Forensic Standards
- Lawyers for National Forensic Standards
- Professors for National Forensic Standards
- Scientists for National Forensic Standards
- Students for National Forensic Standards
Is now the right time for forensic reform?
Yes. In February of this year, the National Academies of Science released a report on the status of forensics (Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward). The report found that there are serious deficiencies in the nation's forensic science system and called for major reforms and new research. In response, both the House and Senate have held hearings on the issue of forensic reform.
We cannot afford to postpone solving these problems. The time has come for an independent, science-focused framework in order to ensure the strength and accuracy of the forensic sciences. Our coalition seeks the establishment of an Office of Forensic Science Improvement and Support, consistent with that recommended by the NAS, to improve the accuracy of criminal investigations, support science-based prosecutions, and increase public safety.
What is the real cost of unverified forensics?
When unvalidated forensic evidence wrongfully implicates someone as a perpetrator, we all share in the cost - both in terms of taxpayer dollars and destroyed lives. The real criminal is not identified, communities are less safe, victims continue to suffer, innocent lives are shattered, and the jobs of law enforcement are made more difficult. There is great expense and time wasted in the criminal justice system when unvalidated forensics result in more court challenges and appeals. We need a strong and constantly growing array of forensic science assays and tools in order to identify perpetrators of crime quickly and accurately.
What is the Innocence Project's role in the coalition and campaign?
The Innocence Project serves in a coordinating role for the coalition and the campaign, supporting coalition members in their actions to bring about forensics reform. The Innocence Project convenes and shares information among the campaign's National Outreach Network and stakeholder affinity groups.
What is the proposed legislative solution?
The coalition supports legislation that would enact the recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences to improve and support forensics. We support establishment of an Office of Forensic Science Improvement and Support, consistent with that recommended by the NAS committee, to improve the accuracy of criminal investigations, support science-based prosecutions, and increase public safety. More information is available at www.justscience.org.
How can I learn more and join the Just Science Coalition?
Explore this site for more information, and contact Stephen Saloom (ssaloom@innocenceproject.org) or Sarah Chu (schu@innocenceproject.org) at the Innocence Project with further questions.
