National Clearinghouse for Science Technology and the Law

The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.

The Stetson University College of Law, National Clearinghouse for Science, Technology, and the Law (NCSTL) will produce a website (www.ncstl.org) which is the host site for an extensive online resource that contains the searchable database on law, science and technology. The online resource contains bibliographic information for court decisions and commentary, scholarly publications, includes a quarterly newsletter, commercial applications, professional associations and institutions, and other resources about traditional and new forensic topics. With this award, NCSTL will maintain and expand the online resource; develop a National Forensic Science Strategy Plan in response to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Report "Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward;" continue to build the reference collection of law, science, and technology material; build additional partnerships with federal and state agencies, professional associations and schools; continue its Capital Litigation Initiative Program; and develop cross-disciplinary training modules with an emphasis on distance education.

NCA/NCF