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
Accuracy of Evidence
Preventing wrongful convictions by improving and fundamentally reforming how scientists, the public, judges, lawyers, and jurors understand evidence presented in court
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
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
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]