President Of Justice Project Says Forensic Science In Dire Need Of Reform
John Terzano, President of Justice Project, a nonpartisan organization, stated that the forensic science system is in dire need of reform "to ensure reliability, and put forensic evidence on sound scientific footing." Terzano was speaking after a report released by the National Academy of Science to Congress. In that report, the NAS detailed the problems and recommendations to improve the use of forensic science in the American criminal justice system.
Terzano states that the report concludes:
...That forensic science is rife with problems, including a lack of thorough research and testing to establish the reliability of many forensic disciplines, under-staffed and under-funded forensic labs, a lack of adequate educational and training programs for forensic scientists, a lack of mandatory certification requirements for analysts and accreditation programs for labs, and effective oversight of analysts and forensic facilities. These systemic problems, among others identified by the NAS, "pose a continuing and serious threat to the quality and credibility of forensic science practice." The report recommends the establishment of a National Institute of Forensic Science to establish and enforce best practices for forensic science professionals and laboratories; and standards for the mandatory accreditation of labs and certification of analysts. NAS recommends this new institute fund additional research in the various forensic science disciplines and research on the possible sources and effects of bias and human error in the practice of forensic science, as well as funding to assist all forensic laboratories in the states to become independent from law enforcement agencies.
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Terzano further states:
"Despite the reputation of forensic science as being a reliable and accurate means of excluding certain suspects and identifying others, often fostered by popular shows such as CSI, forensic science is often deeply flawed and inaccurate--unreliable or false forensic evidence led to the wrongful conviction of over half of the first two hundred people exonerated by DNA evidence in the United States."
The Center has commented on these articles several times in the past. The Center does not dispute the findings, and commends the NAS for their recommendations. There are many reasons for the wrongful convictions that occur in America. Faulty scientific evidence is a major cause. This problem not only puts the wrong person in jail, it could also let the actual criminal out of jail or allow the culprit to remain on the streets. However, the trend of just allowing for broad and expansive lawsuits alleging police corruption does not correct this problem. Like the NAS and Mr. Terzano said, the system needs broad sweeping changes from the top. Hopefully Congress will realize that the change needs to come from the top and reform is needed in this system. WIthout changes, the municipalities feeling the effects of the new-age police witch-hunt will continue to be crippled economically by the effects.
