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

When the Dollars Don’t Add Up to Sense

Our latest policy brief on criminal fines and fees in North Carolina

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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.

interior courtroom with a table of papers in the foreground. no people are shown

The Center's Plea Tracker

Opening the Black Box of Plea Bargains

Over 90% of cases nationwide are resolved by plea bargains. The Wilson Center is working to make that process more transparent and equitable.

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

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, […]

October is National Youth Justice Action Month

April Scales, who was sentenced to life without parole at age 15 and granted clemency by Governor Cooper through the Juvenile Sentence Review Board process last year, spoke with our […]

a person walks on a street with a suitcase

Wilson Center Makes Recommendations to Improve Housing Access

Finding Home: Removing Barriers to Housing for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals Over half a million people in the United States are unhoused, and the rate of homelessness among formerly incarcerated individuals […]

four people at a table giving in presentation. Behind them is a screen that says "Convening on Deflection and Pre-Arrest Diversion"

Deflection and Diversion Summit Draws Participants from across North Carolina

This month, we were grateful for the opportunity to co-sponsor a Convening on Deflection and Pre-Arrest Diversion with the North Carolina Governor’s office and the North Carolina Department of Justice. […]

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