Forensic laboratories are welcome to place in the archive materials frequently requested during discovery proceedings to save the time and expense of complying with multiple, redundant discovery requests. This journal is founded on the belief that the quality of scientific testimony in Anglo-American courts can be improved through critical scrutiny and discussion. Many problems exist and persist at present because they are not identified and brought to light. Testimony by forensic scientists in particular is sometimes problematic because inadequate mechanisms exist for external evaluation and review. The institutional structure of forensic science and the adversarial nature of the legal system provide incentives for secrecy, partisanship, and goal-directed behavior that is inconsistent with the highest scientific ideals.
Lawyers often are ill-prepared to challenge misleading scientific assertions.
By casting light on these issues, this journal may, in some small measure, help address these problems. There will be a feedback form implemented shortly, please check back periodically.