The Ryan Lab

The Ryan Lab investigates scientific and empirical issues related to legal questions. We are currently focused on finding a scientific basis for fingerprint evidence using engineering techniques and examining courts’ and litigators’ uses of forensic science evidence in criminal cases.

 

Research

 

We are investigating the accuracy and reliability of fingerprint evidence and trying to establish a scientific basis for this regularly used forensic science discipline. In trying to shore up this practice, we are applying engineering techniques employed in academia and industry to measure varying forces affecting prints and print deformation.

 

 

We are examining the use and misuse of forensic evidence in criminal cases across the United States, looking for how often particular forensic techniques are exploited and how often they lead to questionable or wrongful convictions. Our goal is to create a public clearinghouse to share this information.