Crime Labs and Forensic Evidence Reform

		"Report: Principles and Recommendations for Strengthening Forensic Science in the Courtroom" NACDL Press Release Washington, DC­ (March 5, 2010) – Forensic science evidence presented in court is often based on speculative research, subjective interpretations and inadequate quality control procedures, according to a report just released by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL). Police need to be taken out of the laboratory, and the “crime labs” need to be taken out of the police station, with the goal of ensuring the scientific integrity of forensic science evidence. Neutrality and objectivity are as essential to preventing wrongful convictions and exonerating the innocent as they are to solving crimes and convicting the guilty. Read More

"Drug Cases Are Scrutinized After Crime Lab Shortcuts,"--The New York Times, May 11, 2010 "‘Shortcuts’ by NYPD Lab Tech Could Put Thousands of Cases in Doubt,"--ABA Journal, May 11, 2010 "The Forensics Behind The N.Y. Bomb Attempt,"--NPR, May 3, 2010 "NACDL Submits Written Statement Before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on 'Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States'" -- September 9, 2009. MD: "Md. Puts Teeth in Bill to Regulate Crime Labs,"--Associated Press, May 7, 2007 TX: "Mix-up on DNA Deals HPD Lab Another Blow,"--Houston Chronicle, October 4, 2007 FL: "Fingerprint Scandal Costs Analyst Her Job,"--Orlando Sentinel, June 7, 2007 "WV: Crime Lab Back in Court"--The Charleston Gazette, April 2, 2006 "Errors Prompt States to Watch Over Crime Labs"--USA Today, March 30, 2006 "Faulty Evidence Needs Scrutiny, Project Innocence Co-Founder Says"--Houston Chronicle, March 15, 2006 More Timely News Here
		Review of the Office of Justice Programs’ Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program In 2004, Congress passed the Justice for All Act, in part to improve the nation’s crime labs. The Act required applicants for federal crime lab grants to submit “certification that a government entity exists ... to conduct independent external investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct” in crime labs. According to the DOJ's Inspector General, the law has been ignored. Read More

	NACDL's Crime Lab Resource Page NACDL Affiliate Contacts State Criminal Justice Network--FAQ State Criminal Justice Network News Archive