Calling upon the federal government to conduct a comprehensive review

NACDL calls upon the federal government to conduct a comprehensive review of cases in which potentially flawed forensic evidence was utilized, including but not limited to those in which microscopic or visual hair comparison evidence was admitted, and to make immediate and full disclosure of the use of such evidence to the prosecution, defendant, and defense counsel in each case, ........

WHEREAS, recent investigations have concluded that a number of criminal defendants were convicted, in part, based on flawed forensic analysis,

WHEREAS, at times, the agency discovering the use of flawed scientific evidence failed to appropriately disclose the use of the flawed evidence,

WHEREAS, in any situation in which flawed scientific evidence is discovered, the flaw must be promptly disclosed to the defendant and the defense attorney and the firm or entity who represented the defendant,

WHEREAS, there are several models for the comprehensive review and disclosure of potentially flawed forensic evidence, including the ongoing review of cases involving composite bullet lead analysis testimony,

NOW THEREFORE,

NACDL calls upon the federal government to conduct a comprehensive review of cases in which potentially flawed forensic evidence was utilized, including but not limited to those in which microscopic or visual hair comparison evidence was admitted, and to make immediate and full disclosure of the use of such evidence to the prosecution, defendant, and defense counsel in each case,

And further, in cases in which flawed evidence was utilized, NACDL calls upon the prosecuting authority in each case to conduct DNA analysis, where feasible, and report the results of that testing to the defendant and defense counsel, and

To this end, NACDL and its members resolve to assist this process and to ensure adequate representation wherever necessary.

Cleveland, OH

Explore keywords to find information

RECENTLY ADDED & UPCOMING

  1. The Champion
    /Nacdl/media/image_library/StayInformed/Champion/ChampionCovers/March-April-2025.jpg?ext=.jpg

    March/April 2025

    What are the evidentiary implications of field sobriety tests in marijuana cases? Does the odor of marijuana give officers probable cause to search a vehicle?

  2. Amicus Brief
    /Nacdl/media/image_library/Elements/global/amicus.png

    Jenner & Block LLP v. U.S. Department of Justice

    Brief of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and New York Council of Defense Lawyers as Amici Curiae in Support of Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment.

  3. News Release
    /Nacdl/media/image_library/Elements/global/newsrelease.png

    News Release ~ Law Enforcement Executive Order

    NACDL Warns Executive Order's Dangerous Overreach Undermines Community Safety and Trust in Police – Washington, DC (April 29, 2025) – The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) expressed deep concern regarding the Executive Order titled "Strengthening and Unleashing America’s Law Enforcement to Pursue Criminals and Protect Innocent Citizens," cautioning that several of its proposals represent a dangerous overreach that undermines these goals by jeopardizing individual rights and the legitimacy of law enforcement in the eyes of the community.

  4. Event
    /Nacdl/media/image_library/Learn/nacdlcleinstitute/2025_Post-Dobbs_Trial_Tactics_2025-02-26_v02_Event-Listing_2.jpg?ext=.jpg

    Trial Tactics for Pregnancy-Related Cases: Skills for Every Defender

    LOCATION: The University of Texas School of Law, Austin, TX
    DATE: May 16-17, 2025
    COST: FREE (registration is required)
    CLE Credit: Up to 14.5 credits 

  5. Webinar
    /assets/img/nacdl_og.png

    Collaborative Approaches to Appellate Defense: Recognizing Clients' Legal Expertise

    WHEN: Thursday, May 8, 3:00-4:30pm ET / 12:00-1:30pm PT
    CLE CREDIT: not available
    COST: Free

Featured Products