 |
| Greetings. It is
my great pleasure to welcome you to The Cyril H.
Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and Law. |
| As a practicing forensic
scientist for more than 40 years, I have spent the
majority of my life seeking social truth and justice
through the application of scientific methods and
legal principles to some of the world's greatest
mysteries. Over that period of time, I have watched
forensic science undergo dramatic progress, most
recently in the areas of DNA testing and computer
simulation. Unfortunately, too few professionals
are equipped with the knowledge necessary to unleash
the promise of science in civil and criminal legal
matters. |
| What's more, the
academic community has been slow and splintered
in its response to the need to prepare a broader
base of professionals for the study and implementation
of this critical body of knowledge. As a result,
the field of forensic science, along with its role
in criminal and civil justice, has reached a crucial
juncture. |
| As educators, we
can no longer ignore the need for the legal community
to work in greater unity toward the apprehension
and prosecution of the perpetrators of crime or
of those who cause injuries to others, nor toward
the exoneration of the wrongfully convicted. Forensic
science has made a great impact on our pursuits
in criminal and civil justice, but if we are to
become more effective in our "search for the
truth," we must inform and involve other professionals
and their specialties as well. |
| The Wecht Institute
was designed, in large part, to identify new methods
and approaches for achieving civil and criminal
justice. But more importantly, it is a program that
brings together professionals from many disciplines
who have demonstrated a particular interest in public
service. It is a program that engenders in all of
its participants an appreciation of the need to
integrate our skills and understanding of this multidisciplinary
approach to applying science to the law. |
| The application of
forensic science in civil and criminal justice can
have profound results. But if we are to fully harness
the promise of forensic science in the administration
of justice, professionals who have dedicated their
lives to public and individual service must seek
opportunities for continuing and extended education
in this rapidly emerging body of work. |
| In these pages, we
intend to bring you not only important information
about the Institute's educational programs and public
events, but also vital news and information from
the wider world of forensic science. Whether you're
a police officer or a nurse, a laboratory technician
or an insurance investigator, you are certain to
find much here to inform and enlighten you. |
| Should you have any
questions or comments about this Web site or the
Institute in general, please don't hesitate to contact
us. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy your visit. |
 |
Sincerely,
Cyril H. Wecht, M.D., J.D.
Chairman,
Advisory Board
|
| Read
a profile of Dr. Cyril H. Wecht » |
