Cameron Todd Willingham and Forensic Science

Scott Henson at the blog Grits for Breakfast bemoans that the debate over the Willingham case (see the New Yorker article on how Texas executed an innocent man) has not focused on arson science.

He makes an important point. It's understandable that those involved in the trial and execution wish to defend their actions; it's more important that we not lose sight of the broad implications of using junk science to gain convictions.

We now know that much of what passed for "forensic science" in the past was based on little more than the "science" used to convict witches in Salem in the 1600s.

Forensic reform is essential if we are to achieve accurate decisions in criminal cases that arise from empirical evidence. Now is a good time for all of us to learn more about what needs to be done to make forensic science into a real science. Take a look at http://www.just-science.org/ and sign their petition to support the creation of a federal agency to ensure that all forensic evidence is based on solid science.