Lisa Waters, Automating Junk Science, UC L. J. (2026) (published). Read online.
Forensic methods revealed to be “junk science” have long been relied on to police, convict, and punish. Now, forensic examiners increasingly turn to algorithms to automate their methods. But automation has masked rather than cured infirmities in forensic disciplines. This Article examines the growing trend of automating junk science using firearms examination as a case study and exposes misconceptions, shortcomings, and risks related to this trend. It is clear that junk science must be eliminated from criminal courts. In the meantime, this Article offers an intermediate path forward with reforms that prioritize transparency, scrutiny, and the rights of the accused.