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The article discusses issues concerning the pamphlet on crime titled "Making the Case," released by the Academy of Social Sciences and the British Psychological Society as part of the Campaign for Social Science. Topics covered include the inclusion in the pamphlet of the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development, which offers evidence about risk factors for offending, including low school achievement and poor parental supervision, and the focus on systematic reviews of research literatures.

The article argues for the academic freedom of universities and the autonomy of academics from university authorities in Great Britain. It discusses the three different interpretations of academic freedom that include the freedom to fulfill contractual obligations, freedom to express views publicly, and the right to carry out research that risk breaking the law. The distinction of academic freedom from the right to free speech is explained.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to "Punishment Doesn't Fit Social Sciences Crime" in the April 26, 2012 issue.

Comments on two reports that criticize educational research in Great Britain. James Tooley's survey of articles in educational journals; The report the Department for Education and employment commissioned from the Institute of Employment Studies at the University of Sussex; The opinion that the reports are as flawed as much as the research they castigate; The belief that the reports' conclusions cannot be sensibly derived from the evidence.

Opinion. Comments on the future of scientific research in Great Britain. Neo-liberals' proposal for central planning; Function of the funding councils; Shift towards the specification of particular research area as of high priority for funding.