No Magic Wand The Idealization of Science in Law

Since 1993, Supreme Court precedent has asked judges to serve as gatekeepers to their expert witnesses, admitting only reliable scientific testimony. Lacking a strong background in science, however, some judges admit dubious scientific testimony packages by articulate practitioners, while others reject reliable evidence that is unreasonably portrayed as full of holes. Seeking a balance between undue deference and undeserved skepticism, Caudill and LaRue draw on the philosophy of science to help judges, juries, and advocates better understand its goals and limitations.

Lewis H. LaRue is a professor of law and Class of 1958 Alumni Professor of Law Emeritus at Washington and Lee University School of Law. David S. Caudill is a professor of law and the Arthur M. Goldberg Family Chair in Law at Villanova University School of Law.