Judicial Symposium on Scientific Methodology and the Admissibility of Expert Testimony

The Judicial Symposium on Scientific Methodology and the Admissibility of Expert Testimony helped judges better understand the tools and techniques used by scientific and other expert witnesses. With a combination of lectures, panel discussions, and case studies, the program gave insight into how experts apply the scientific method and offered practical lessons to help evaluate scientific reports and expert testimony.

The Symposium delved into the subjects of statistics, toxicology, and epidemiology and included presentations on the scientific method and the nature of expert testimony.  Leading scientists, legal scholars, and practitioners also discussed the intersection of science and policy, the recognition of good science in the courtroom, and the role of judges as gatekeepers.

Please see below for recordings of the panels and lectures for this event, or click here to watch!

Welcome + Lecture I:  Donald J Kochan & D Bruce Johnsen

Lecture II: The Nature of Expert Evidence and the Incomplete Nature of Science

Panel I: The Challenge of Recognizing Good Science in the Courtroom

Panel II : The Judge As Gatekeeper

Lecture III: An Intro to Statistics

Lecture IV: Correlation versus Causation

Lecture V: Understanding Toxicology & Epidemiology

Panel III: Regulation of Emerging Risks

Panel IV: Case Studies I – Science in the Baby Powder and PFAS Cases

Panel V: Case Studies II – Science in the Accutane and Roundup Cases

Panel VI: The Politicization of Science and the Scientization of Policy