Houston Skyline

Latest in the ODonnell Consent Decree

Houston Bail Monitor Report Released

7th report from Monitorship led by Wilson Center Faculty Director Brandon Garrett shows decline in misdemeanor arrests with no negative impact on safety

Image of courtroom. A woman stands up facing the judge's bench

Wilson Center Releases Policy Brief

When the Dollars Don’t Add Up to Sense

Rethinking criminal fines and fees in North Carolina

a person walks on a street with a suitcase

Removing Barriers for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals

Recommendations to Improve Housing Access

The Wilson Center releases its latest policy brief.

Judge's Gavel and Document Data Sheets on The Table with a calculator. Two people at a table in the background.

New Report from the Wilson Center and the Fines and Fees Justice Center

1 in 3 Americans Impacted by Legal Fees and Fines

This first of its kind, nationally representative survey reveals the devastating impacts of fines and fees.

front view of the Duke Law School in the fall

The Wilson Center leads national and community efforts to reform our criminal legal system, in collaborations, policy work, and research, drawing on the energy and expertise of our students, faculty, and staff at Duke.
Faculty Director and Founder, Professor Brandon Garrett

About the Wilson Center for Science and Justice

The Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke Law works to advance criminal justice and equity through science and law. The Center's work is non-partisan and evidence-informed. We engage with community stakeholders, academics, and policy makers to conduct and translate interdisciplinary research into effective and practical policy change.

Our work focuses on three key areas: improving the accuracy of the evidence used in criminal cases, promoting fair and equitable outcomes in the criminal legal system, and improving behavioral health outcomes for persons who encounter, or are at risk for encountering, the criminal legal system.

Areas of Focus

test tubes with q-tips and a bag labeled evidence

Accuracy of Evidence

Preventing wrongful convictions by improving and fundamentally reforming how scientists, the public, judges, lawyers, and jurors understand evidence presented in court

gavel in front of scales of justice on a desk. Two people's hands are visible

Equity in Criminal Outcomes

Promoting fair and equitable outcomes in the criminal legal system by identifying racial, economic, and other structural inequities at all levels

close up shot of woman sitting on a couch in front of a doctor with a clipoard wearing a stethescope. Only their torsoes and hands are visible.

Behavioral Health Needs

Improving outcomes for persons with mental illness and substance use disorders who encounter, or are at risk for encountering, the criminal legal system

What's Happening

The latest updates and news from the Wilson Center

News from the Wilson Center

Houston Skyline

Seventh Report Released in the ODonnell Consent Decree Monitorship

Latest Houston Bail Monitor Report Shows Overall Decline in Misdemeanor Arrests with No Negative Effect on Public Safety Houston, TX – On Sunday, the independent monitors overseeing Harris County’s historic […]

Skyline of Durham

Evaluation of Durham’s ShotSpotter Installation

ShotSpotter evaluation shows increased gunshot notifications, quicker police response times, and more arrests, but questions of accuracy and impact remain, and many focus group participants expressed skepticism ShotSpotter more than […]

Two women discussing paperwork

Medicaid Enrollment and Resource Fair

Medicaid has expanded in North Carolina and you may qualify now! Join the Wilson Center, LegalAid of NC, OurJourney, and partners across the Triangle for help enrolling, learn about other […]

Image of courtroom. A woman stands up facing the judge's bench

When the Dollars Don’t Add Up to Sense

The Wilson Center releases new policy brief on criminal fines and fees in North Carolina One in three Americans has been directly impacted by fines and fees related to traffic, […]

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