It just continues a long line of anti-science measures by the administration.<p>Proposing to cut funding to the EPA, the Energy Department, NASA, National Institute of Health, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration...<p>And then there's the nomination of climate change denier Scott Pruitt as head of the EPA.<p>Not to mention the dozens of science and technology positions in the administrations that are yet to be filled.
Well, this administration clearly doesn't want anyone within the executive branch to have the ability, vis a vis independence, to contradict their agenda, on any level.<p>The result is that anyone empowered to do research will answer to them directly, and anything don't like will never see the light of day, if it is even brought up in the first place (because, of course, this is also an administration that only wants to confirmation of their policies).<p>So, essentially, we can expect only more of this. Quasi-indepenent commissions will be replaced by groups we never hear from, unless they have something to say that backs up an administration policy. It'll be a rough four years for policy.
The commission will be replaced with an internal forensics expert(s), so out goes independent scientific oversight of an arm of the govt. that touts so much science.
I for one will be taking this into account should I find myself in the jury box.<p>The bad thing is, eyewitness testimony is even worse. And police testimony has a bruised record too. Both sides hire experts to say what they want. I guess video footage is the only thing left to provide objective evidence of a crime scene. :\
While I am all for reducing the size of the government this is bad move. This has less to do with science and more to do with overzealous Jeff Sessions.<p>Good science often helps find the right guy and stop preventing wrongful convictions. Over last few decades advancements in DNA testing etc. have helped several innocent people from being prosecuted wrongly. This is a step in a reverse direction for criminal justice reforms in USA (though totally expected from Jess Sessions).<p>Rant: I think we as a people are to be blamed here. We are the ones who have often failed to stand up for the rights of the people who are prosecuted. We buy the government's propaganda of partitioning society as "those bad guys" and "we good guys" and then let government treat the former as total shit. Trump has won election using those kind of tactics.
> Sessions will end a Justice Department partnership with independent scientists to raise forensic science standards<p>Well, shit. When I saw the headline I grasped for a thread of hope that maybe this meant a blow to the terrible and corrupt forensic science industry. Nope, this is a step back towards the status quo. I should know better than to be optimistic.
This is a shame. Next the FBI will be bringing charges based upon the use of crystal balls, hair samples, spirit photography, and talking goats. All scientifically validated by the NBS and DOD undoubtedly.
Looked at his Wikipedia page to brush up on our Attorney General.. Also Jeff Sessions:<p>"On October 5, 2005, Sessions was one of nine Senators who voted against a Senate amendment to a House bill that prohibited cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment or punishment of individuals in the custody or under the physical control of the United States Government"<p>"Sessions has been a strong supporter of civil forfeiture, the government practice of seizing property when it has allegedly been involved in a crime. Sessions opposes "any reform" of civil forfeiture legislation."<p>Incredible.. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Sessions#Crime_and_security" rel="nofollow">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Sessions#Crime_and_securi...</a>
<i>“The availability of prompt and accurate forensic science analysis to our law enforcement officers and prosecutors is critical to integrity in law enforcement, reducing violent crime, and increasing public safety,” Sessions said in the statement. “We applaud the professionalism of the National Commission on Forensic Science and look forward to building on the contributions it has made in this crucial field.”</i><p>"applaud and destroy."
Wonderful! It's a twofer: the Trump administration gets to attack both scientists and accused innocents. Sessions is due for a big pat on the back for this one.
Interesting choice of things to trim, I'd like no more public resources being used on the FCPA, insider trading, and "material misrepresentations", as these all seem to have disproportionate costs than effect. Who should I tweet?