National Clearinghouse for Science, Technology and the Law at Stetson launches leading scientific database
Contact Frank Klim
Executive Director of Communications
727-562-7889
Gulfport, Fla. – The National Clearinghouse for Science, Technology and the Law at Stetson University College of Law recently announced the creation of its comprehensive online database at its new Web site, http://www.ncstl.org. The Clearinghouse has assembled the available scientific, technological and relevant legal resources into a “one-stop” searchable tool for judges, lawyers, scientists and law enforcement officials.
The database includes a comprehensive bibliography from the last five years of court decisions and commentary, scholarly publications, links to available full-text articles, books and other relevant publications on science and the law. It also provides links and news from scholarly programs around the country. Free registration at the site unlocks more helpful functions, such as additional search tools.
“Getting this information online is a quantum leap in helping the professionals who need it,” said Professor Carol Henderson, Clearinghouse director. “We have received very positive feedback on the site. We’re in the planning stages of making this site into an even greater resource by offering continuing education programs and other training available online.”
Giants in the forensic science, law enforcement and legal communities have been enthusiastic in their support of the Clearinghouse. “The National Clearinghouse for Science, Technology and the Law database is the most exciting new development for the law enforcement and forensic science communities in years,” said Dr. Henry C. Lee, one of the world’s foremost forensic scientists and star of Court TV’s Trace Evidence: The Case Files of Dr. Henry Lee.
The Clearinghouse was created to help professionals stay current on science and technology developments and various legal challenges. The online database is one of their efforts to help professionals navigate the vast terrain of existing case law, scientific journals, reports, publications and other resources.
The Clearinghouse has partnered with a number of other universities and organizations nationwide, such as the Cyril H. Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and Law at Duquesne University School of Law. Students at various educational institutions will soon help to expand the database.
“We will have a national network of researchers assisting us,” Henderson said.
NCSTL continues to develop other resources for the legal and scientific communities to provide timely, accurate and useful information to promote justice. The Clearinghouse offers an ongoing lecture series on the Stetson Law Gulfport campus, designed to inform the public, legal professionals and the law enforcement community about advances in science and technology. Henderson is speaking to groups nationwide and internationally, including lectures in Argentina, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
A variety of other projects are in the works as well. Henderson will participate in the Department of Justice’s national strategy meeting “Identifying the Missing” in April. The meeting is an important part of President Bush’s DNA Initiative and will address missing person cases and unidentified human remains.
Post date: March 8, 2005
Media contact: Kate Bradshaw
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