In this session panelists Hon. Nancy Gertner (ret.), Senior Lecturer on Law, Harvard Law School, Prof. Tess Neal, Dean's Associate Professor of Psychology, Iowa State University, and Dr. Beth Wiggins, Director of Research Division, Federal Judicial Center, examine the critical responsibility of judges as “gatekeepers” for determining the admissibility of scientific evidence and expert witness testimony. Moderated by Dr. Alison Dundes Renteln, Professor of Political Science, Anthropology, Public Policy and Law, University of Southern California, panelists discuss the Frye and Daubert standards, as well as the Federal Rules of Evidence, and assess judges’ application of these standards to ensure only reliable, trustworthy science is presented in court. Further, the panel will provide insight into methods of preparing, supporting and empowering judges—who are typically not scientists themselves—in fulfilling their duty of determining “weight,” or significance, of scientific evidence or testimony that come into their courtrooms.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenters. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views or policy positions of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) or its members.