After all the discussions about the issues within the field of forensic science, Congress finally stepped in to instruct The National Academy of Sciences to study ways in which it could be improved (National Research Council (NRC) 2009, p. 1). Thus, a forensic science committee was formed. The committee held hearings and deliberations dealing with many areas of the field, from everything to the basics of the scientific method to the use of forensic evidence in both criminal and civil litigation (NRC 2009, p. 3-4). This led to the formulation of a more than three-hundred page report, including thirteen recommendations for advancing the discipline of forensic science. These proposals are all suggested in order to establish a more reliable and valid field, both in general and in the area of criminal justice. The goal that was consistently heard by the committee was that there be “effective leadership at the highest levels of both federal and state governments, pursuant to national standards … with a significant infusion of federal funds” (NRC 2009, p. xx). The suggestions given in the report provide the committee’s views on how to achieve this objective, and the first ten recommendations further demonstrate this aspiration. The first suggestion is for Congress to establish an independent federal entity, the National Institute of …show more content…
The programs should also involve experiences and funds for the students to continue and develop throughout their education. NIFS should also implement similar practices in terms of the judicial education organizations in their attempt to develop continuing legal education programs for law students, practitioners, and judges (NRC 2009, p.