Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke Law

A @DukeLaw interdisciplinary center working to advance criminal justice and equity through law and science. Follow us now on Bluesky at

[Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke Law @WilsonCSJ_]

We are now on Bluesky! Follow us at https://t.co/0yWdPzxCkf.

[Maria (MJ) Goellner @MJGoellner]

Our North Carolina friends are asking the state to safely release folks in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, just as it did during the pandemic. No running water or sewage in many facilities. Understaffing. Overcrowding. Poor conditions affect everyone.
https://t.co/5a5hxLWmcE

[Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke Law @WilsonCSJ_]

New video from the New York Times shows the heavy and sometimes hidden impacts of fines and fees in the criminal legal system from the New York Times: https://t.co/IljDgS5YRg

You can read more about fines, fees & collateral consequences on our website: https://t.co/u7hnBrWutR.

[Duke Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences @DukePsychiatry]

New report from @WilsonCSJ_, co-authored by Duke Psychiatry's Dr. Marvin Swartz, explores alternatives to police transport in involuntary civil commitment ⤵️

[Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke Law @WilsonCSJ_]

Check out the latest from the Wilson Center in our October Newsletter! https://t.co/QkO7LrXRoi

[Disability Rights NC @DisabilityRtsNC]

A new Duke University report underscores the position of disability advocates: non-law enforcement transport for involuntary commitment works well & should be the default, not the exception. #NCGA funding is key. #NCPOL @NASWNC @NAMINCarolina @NCPsychological @ncpsychiatry

[Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke Law @WilsonCSJ_]

For too many people experiencing mental illness, cries for help bring police & handcuffs. But this doesn’t have to be the case. Our latest report: Changing the Route: Seeking Compassionate Alternatives to Police Transport in Involuntary Civil Commitment. https://t.co/pA9ufHS4DS

[Innocence Project @innocence]

BREAKING: The Supreme Court of Texas has stayed #RobertRoberson’s Oct. 17 execution.

[Maria (MJ) Goellner @MJGoellner]

FAMM Senior Policy Advisor @MCharles615 and I sent a letter to North Carolina Governor @RoyCooperNC asking him to exercise his clemency power to the fullest extent during his remaining time in office. Read more in @charobs. #ClemencyNow
https://t.co/QJGrnENccL @wilsonscience

[Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke Law @WilsonCSJ_]

On this #WrongfulConvictionDay, check out our new report. Since 1989, a known 75 North Carolinians have lost 963 years to wrongful conviction. Learn more about how wrongful convictions occur and how NC can prevent them at https://t.co/QW10PFQH7Z

[Innocence Project @innocence]

Marcellus "Khaliifah" Williams should be alive today. In a country that aspires to fulfill the promise of equal justice under law, there should be no place for the death penalty, a barbaric anachronism that does nothing to keep people safe. https://t.co/qzhTF4j4x8

[Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth @theCFSY]

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our 2024 National Convening—Hope In Action: Charting A Bold Path Forward! Over the past few days, we’ve come together to inspire change, share powerful stories, and continue our fight to end life without parole for children.

[Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth @theCFSY]

@andrewjhundley @paroleproject “We can’t make progress in the south with theory, we need to start with the stories,” Ben Finholt of @WilsonCSJ_.

“And where we have most had success amplifying success stories, family advocates lead the way,” Eric adds.

[Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke Law @WilsonCSJ_]

Our Just Sentencing Project Ben Finholt speaks today at @theCFSY convening on the role courts can have in reducing JLWOP. Ben notes that courts can shift from a punitive mindset & that there is a corrosive effect on kids & families when courts tell kids they can’t ever be better.

[Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke Law @WilsonCSJ_]

Over thirty were exonerated by post-conviction DNA testing. It is entirely possible, if not likely, that Mr. Williams should have been one of those people. We mourn his execution and grieve for his family. 4/4

[Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke Law @WilsonCSJ_]

We are deeply saddened and disturbed that the state of Missouri executed Marcellus “Khalifa” Williams yesterday evening, over the wishes of the prosecutor’s office. The Missouri Governor, Missouri Attorney General’s Office, & SCOTUS all failed to act to prevent this tragedy. 1/4

[Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke Law @WilsonCSJ_]

The imposition of the death penalty is used disproportionately against Black people and in poorer counties. Two hundred people have been exonerated in death penalty cases in the United States. 3/4

[Innocence Project @innocence]

We wish we had better news. But as of now, #MarcellusWilliams is still scheduled to be executed by Missouri tonight at 6 p.m. central for a crime he is totally innocent of. ⁠

Don’t stop sharing his story. It’s not too late to save an innocent life.⁠ https://t.co/eofSDX66tC