The Truth Behind Junk Science in Criminal Justice with Chris Fabricant
Chris Fabricant is the Director of Strategic Litigation at the Innocence Project and a leading national expert on the role of forensic science in the criminal justice system. Previously a public defender and appellate lawyer, Fabricant has spent decades advocating for justice reform and uncovering systemic failures. His acclaimed book, Junk Science, provides a gripping exploration of how unreliable forensic practices have contributed to countless wrongful convictions. Under his leadership, the Innocence Project continues to challenge the use of pseudoscientific evidence in courtrooms, ensuring that justice is driven by reliable, unbiased science.
“The criminal justice system brings nothing but pain and suffering—it was designed that way, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. By addressing systemic issues like racial bias, prosecutorial misconduct, and junk science, we can transform it into a system that serves justice, not perpetuates harm.”
Fabricant shares the shocking realities of how flawed forensic techniques—such as bite mark analysis and hair microscopy—have led to wrongful convictions, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. He delves into the political and systemic challenges of overturning these convictions and explains how modern technology, while promising, can perpetuate bias when misused. With poignant stories of individuals freed after decades of wrongful imprisonment, Fabricant highlights the critical need for skepticism in courts and advocacy for justice reform.
Episode Outline
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:02:00) The Role of Storytelling in Trials
(00:06:00) The Shocking Impact of Junk Science
(00:10:00) Misconceptions About DNA Evidence
(00:14:00) The Birth of the Innocence Project
(00:20:00) Racial Bias in the Criminal Justice System
(00:25:00) The Problem with Bite Mark Evidence
(00:30:00) The Evolution of Technology and Bias
(00:35:00) Overcoming Status Quo Resistance
(00:40:00) High-Profile Cases and Emotional Impact
(00:46:00) What Listeners Can Do to Help
(00:50:00) Closing Reflections