I disagree with AGU's position on the conviction of Italian seismologists, which is, I believe, based on an inaccurate reading of the news (Eos 93(44), 444, doi:10.1029/2012EO440013). As a matter of fact, the L'Aquila ruling is based on the finding that the defendant scientists lacked both independence and good faith and that they gave unscientific (ideological, a priori, and, in the end, lethal) advice to the population. The defendants are, moreover, given the opportunity to appeal if they believe the tribunals have incorrectly assessed the evidence.