Bill Text: NJ AJR41 | 2024-2025 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates the third week of September of each year as "Forensic Science Week" in New Jersey.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Introduced) 2024-01-09 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee [AJR41 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2024-AJR41-Introduced.html
No. 41
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
221st LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2024 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman CAROL A. MURPHY
District 7 (Burlington)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman Dunn
SYNOPSIS
Designates the third week of September of each year as "Forensic Science Week" in New Jersey.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel.
A Joint Resolution designating the third week of September of each year as "Forensic Science Week" in New Jersey.
Whereas, Forensic scientists play a critical role in the justice system by conducting investigations and analyzing evidence that may become relevant to court cases; and
Whereas, Forensic science is a wide-reaching field that includes several sub-disciplines, such as crime scene investigation, biology and DNA studies, anthropology, pathology, trace evidence, sexual assault reform, toxicology, seized drugs and laboratory operations; and
Whereas, Forensic science allows the authorities to narrow down
and positively identify a criminal suspect, determine when and
how a crime occurred, and identify victims' bodies; and
Whereas, Forensic scientists use evidence-based methodologies to
determine crime victims' causes of death and identify murder
weapons; and
Whereas, New technologies and methodologies are changing the way investigations and trials are conducted in the New Jersey criminal justice system; and
Whereas, The collaborative effort between science and law enforcement will help safeguard integrity and fairness in the criminal justice system; and
Whereas, National Forensic Science Week occurs in the month of September to recognize the contribution that forensic science makes to criminal justice and encourage the collaborative effort of the two; and
Whereas, This national celebration is a time to recognize the important role that proper forensic science plays in the investigation of crimes across the country, such as the exoneration of innocent people and bringing perpetrators to justice; and
Whereas, The State of New Jersey should recognize the contribution that forensic science makes to the criminal justice system and honor its forensic scientists; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The third week of September of each year is designated as "Forensic Science Week" in New Jersey.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation and call upon public officials, private organizations, and all citizens of this State to observe "Forensic Science Week" with appropriate awareness activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution
shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates the third week of September of each year as "Forensic Science Week" in New Jersey.
Forensic scientists play a critical role in the justice system by conducting investigations and examining evidence that may become relevant to court cases. Forensic science is a wide-reaching field that includes sub-disciplines, such as crime scene investigation, biology and DNA studies, anthropology, pathology, toxicology and laboratory operations. New technologies and methodologies are changing the way investigations and trials are conducted in the New Jersey criminal justice system. Forensic science allows the authorities to narrow down and identify criminal suspects, determine when and how a crime occurred, identify victims' bodies, determine victims' cause of death and identify murder weapons. National Forensic Science Week takes place in September to recognize the contribution that forensic science makes to criminal justice and encourage the collaborative effort of the two. The State of New Jersey should recognize the contribution that forensic science makes to the justice system and honor its forensic scientists.
