Statistical science in the courtroom

More about the book

Expert testimony based on scientific evidence is increasingly scrutinized in the legal system, particularly following a trilogy of U.S. Supreme Court cases that require judges to evaluate the relevance and reliability of such testimony. In response, the Federal judiciary, alongside the American Association for the Advancement of Science, has launched a project to provide judges with access to expert guidance when needed. This focus on the interpretation of scientific evidence, especially probabilistic data, is also evident in England, Australia, and various European nations. A collection of articles by statisticians and legal scholars addresses the challenges associated with statistical evidence in court. Several pieces focus on DNA evidence, detailing the complexities of calculating the probability of a random individual's profile matching that of the evidence and interpreting these results accurately. Authors share their courtroom experiences, with some expressing disillusionment that led them to reduce their involvement. Additional articles explore the use of statistical evidence in cases of discrimination, product liability, environmental regulation, and sentencing fairness, highlighting how engagement in legal statistics has uncovered intriguing statistical challenges that warrant further investigation.