National Institute of Justice Journal, July 2008 The NIJ Journal, published several times a year, features articles to help criminal justice policymakers and practitioners stay informed about new developments. The NIJ Journal presents research-based information that can help inform policy decisions and improve understanding of the criminal justice system. Director's Message: As this issue of the NIJ Journal goes to press, we are just three weeks away from the 16th annual NIJ Conference, which has become the preeminent gathering for criminal justice practitioners, researchers and policymakers. This year at the Conference, many people will be talking about NIJ’s forensic DNA portfolio. Several new DNA activities are under way or about to get under way: * A rigorous review of the exonerations of the wrongly convicted to help us better understand how eyewitness testimony, false confessions, forensic science, investigative practices and other issues relate to wrongful convictions. * A workshop for stakeholders — law enforcement, prosecutors and defense attorneys, crime laboratories and innocence-project advocates — to help states understand how to apply for post-conviction DNA funding. * An evaluation of post-conviction programs in two states to develop "best practices" and assist in efficient post-conviction reviews and DNA analysis.