Innocence Blog

Newsweek: Forensics Often Aren't Science

Posted: April 2, 2010 4:31 pm

Newsweek Science Editor Sharon Begley wrote a column this week about the state of forensics in the United States and the need for reform. She writes:

The (2009 National Academy of Sciences) report recommended that forensic scientists be board-certified, like doctors; as Reichs noted, unqualified people, many inspired by the media, “are hanging out a shingle.” But instead of rigorous, impartial certification, companies are springing up to take almost anyone’s money “and let you add some initials to your name,” said Reichs—impressive to juries, but meaningless. Like too much forensic “science.”

Read Begley’s full column here.

For more forensic news from this week, and to take action for forensic reform, visit the Just Science Coalition website.

Photo Credit: Lovleah

Tags: Forensic Oversight