“ Forensic science often does not live up to the current standards of scientific research. And when forensic science fails, injustice follows. ”
Brandon L. Garrett is the inaugural L. Neil Williams, Jr. Professor of Law and director of the Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke Law. He is a leading scholar of criminal justice outcomes, evidence, and constitutional rights. Garrett’s research and teaching interests focus on evidence, forensic science, constitutional rights, habeas corpus, corporate crime, and criminal law. He is the author of six books, including his latest, Autopsy of a Crime Lab: Exposing the Flaws in Forensics (University of California Press, March 2021). In addition to numerous articles published in leading law reviews and scientific journals, Garrett's work has been widely cited by courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, lower federal courts, state supreme courts, and courts in other countries. Before joining Duke Law in 2018, Garrett was the White Burkett Miller Professor of Law and Public Affairs and Justice Thurgood Marshall Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Virginia. Garrett received his BA from Yale University and his JD in 2001 from Columbia Law School. He is admitted to practice law in New York.
Dr. Peter Stout is Houston Forensic Science Center’s CEO and president. He joined the agency in 2015 as its chief operating officer and vice president. The Houston Forensic Science Center (HFSC) examines and provides scientific analysis of evidence for the Houston Police Department. Dr. Stout has more than 20 years of experience in forensic science and forensic toxicology. Prior to joining HFSC, Dr. Stout worked as a senior research forensic scientist and director of operations in the Center for Forensic Sciences at RTI International. Dr. Stout also has served as president of the Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT). He represented SOFT in the Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations and has participated in national policy debates on the future of forensic sciences in the United States.