Criminal justice

Despite criticism, a slate of new scientific studies show that forensic firearms analysis is a reliable scientific discipline that the criminal justice system should trust

Every year about 1,000 human remains go unidentified in the U.S. New genetic technology can give them names and return them to their families

Science plays an enormous unseen role in keeping international avenues of contact open, even when political doors slam shut. We need to keep those channels open with China

The pandemic provided a natural experiment, one that suggests fewer people in jail does not lead to more crime

A recent examination of Vivitrol’s clinical trial data uncovered many hidden overdoses. Its preferential use in the criminal justice system must stop

People want swift punishment and will even penalize perpetrators for delays outside their control

Data show that mass-shooting deaths behave as a “species” different from other gun deaths

More than 100,000 Americans die every year from drug overdoses. We should warn people in real time about dangerous adulterants in the illicit drug market

To steal cars that rely on remotes and computer networks, thieves are trading their pry bars for laptops and wireless devices

Courts and the public are skeptical of sexual assault survivors who didn’t react violently to assault, placing a double burden on them. “Why didn’t you fight back?” is an impossible standard to demand, research shows

The U.S. should implement the same reforms to its high court that it has called for in other nations, a judicial reform scholar suggests

Moral panics aimed against trans people are both attacks on that community and part of a broader strategy to control youth across the U.S.