The Center for Science & Law is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We leverage technology to bridge the gap between neuroscience and the law, and harness data science, and legal research to advance justice.
The SciLaw NeuroCognitive Assessment
After years of R&D, we continue to publish new results of our mobile, iPad-based risk assessment called the NeuroCognitive Risk Assessment (NCRA). Our recent analysis showed that the NRCA performs as well, or better than currently used risk assessments for predicting rearrest. The NCRA uses gamified neurocognitive tests to measure decision-making traits like impulsivity, aggression, and empathy. It does not use the criminal history or race of the defendant as factors, eliminating racial bias from the assessment process.
Our latest machine learning research on the predictive validity of the NCRA is published in neurolaw edition of Frontiers in Psychology.
Understanding crime & policy
The SciLaw Criminal Records Database
Innovating research by enabling cross-jurisdictional study and recidivism analysis
Most criminal research is limited by its use of national datasets with no way to identify reoffenders. Another limitation is the inability to make comparisons across states that have different laws. We solve those problems with our first-of-its-kind database with tens of millions of criminal records that cover arrest through disposition, spanning nearly 7 decades. Since 2012, the Criminal Records Database (CRD), has been a valuable tool for researchers and policy makers at the national and local level.
Criminal justice solutions
Forecasting criminal hotspots
Using sophisticated geospatial techniques, we have developed open-sourced solutions for predicting next week’s burglaries or next month’s car thefts.
Our projects
We use the SciLaw Criminal Records Database to support our criminal justice partners in the design, analysis, and implementation of better legal policy. Contact us to collaborate.
"Our initiative in neuroscience and law brings together neuroscientists, judges, lawyers, policy makers, ethicists, and data scientists. We aim to determine how modern neuroscience will navigate the way we make social policy."
— David Eagleman, PhD, Director
Read The Runaway Species: How human creativity remakes the world
The Runaway Species is a deep-dive into the creative mind, a celebration of the human spirit, and a vision of how we can improve our future by understanding and embracing our ability to innovate. Anthony Brandt and David Eagleman seek to answer the question: what lies at the heart of humanity’s ability―and drive―to create?
Read Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain
A surprising story of the non-conscious brain and the machinery under the hood that keep the show going. By Scilaw Director, Dr. David Eagleman.
Watch The Brain with David Eagleman
Neuroscientist David Eagleman explores the human brain in the Emmy-nominated series that reveals the ultimate story of us, why we feel and think the things we do. This ambitious project blends science with innovative visual effects and compelling personal stories, and addresses some big questions. By understanding the human brain, we can come close to understanding humanity