Brian Forst

Brian Forst joined the American University faculty in 1992, following three years on the George Washington University faculty. Before that, he was director of research at the Institute for Law and Social Research (1977-85) and the Police Foundation (1985-89). His research on prosecution, policing, and the deterrent effect of the death penalty is cited extensively. His current research focuses on legitimacy, the exercise of discretion, the prevention of terrorism, miscarriages of justice, and sentencing. His book, Errors of Justice: Nature, Sources and Remedies (Cambridge University Press), was named Book of the Year for 2006 by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. The Cambridge University Press released his book, Terrorism, Crime, and Public Policy, in the fall of 2008. Professor Forst chaired the JLC Department’s doctoral program from 2000 to 2010. He was awarded the School of Public Affairs Bernard H. Ross Teaching Excellence Award in 2002 and the School’s Outstanding Scholarship Award in 2008 and 2011. He was a voting member of the D.C. Sentencing Commission from 2004 through 2010. He played cello with the AU Orchestra in 1998.