The “Scientific Evidence in the Courts” program began with foundational lectures on scientific methodology, featuring James S. Trefil, Clarence J. Robinson Professor of Physics at George Mason University. Professor Trefil is renowned for his ability to convey scientific thinking to legal thinkers. Panel discussions followed, covering differing perspectives on Daubert; a discussion of low-dose exposure and causation; examination of scientific evidence in emerging mass torts; science and politics of risk; as well as science-based regulation.
Agenda
Perspectives on Daubert
Richard O. Faulk, Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, Houston, Texas
Carla Burke, Baron and Budd, Dallas, Texas
Moderator: David E. Bernstein, George Mason University Foundation Professor of Law, George Mason School of Law, Arlington, Virginia
Low-Dose Exposure and Causation: Benzene and Asbestos
R. Dean Hartley, Hartley & O’Brien, Wheeling, West Virginia
Mark Fitzsimmons, Steptoe & Johnson, Washington, DC
Mark A. Behrens, Shook, Hardy & Bacon, Washington, DC
Bryan O. Blevins, Provost Umphrey, Beaumont, Texas
Moderator: David E. Bernstein, George Mason University Foundation Professor of Law, George Mason School of Law, Arlington, Virginia
Medical Monitoring and Neighboring Environmental Exposure Cases
Robert J. Nelson, Leiff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, San Francisco, California
Jessica Davidson Miller, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meager & Flom, Washington, DC
Dennis C. Reich, Reich & Binstock, Houston, Texas
Katherine L. Rhyne, King & Spalding, Washington, DC
Moderator: David E. Bernstein, George Mason University Foundation Professor of Law, George Mason School of Law, Arlington, Virginia
Post-Mortem on Scientific Evidence in the Vioxx Cases
W. Mark Lanier, The Lanier Law Firm, Houston, Texas
Commentary: Joe G. Hollingsworth, Hollingsworth LLP, Washington, DC
Moderator: D. Bruce Johnsen, Director, Mason Judicial Education Program
Case Study: Scientific Evidence in Hydraulic Fracturing Litigation
Marc Jay Bern, Napoli Bern Ripka Shkolink LLP, New York, New York
Jennifer Quinn-Barabanov, Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Washington, DC
Moderator: Richard O. Faulk, Gardere Wynne Swewll LLP, Houston, Texas
Case Study: Bisphenol A (BPA)
Lawrence G. Cetrulo, Cetrulo & Capone, LLP, Boston, Massachusetts
James L. Stengel, Orrick, New York, New York
Moderator: Richard O. Faulk, Gardere Wynne Swewll LLP, Houston, Texas