Peter
Ellis Org : Seeking Justice for Peter Ellis
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F - Authors
Foster
Kenneth R, Huber, Peter W Judging
Science, 1997
Freyd,
Pamela; Goldstein, Eleanor Smiling Through Tears, 1998
Foster Kenneth R, Huber, Peter W
Judging Science, 1997
Scientific knowledge and the federal courts
Reviews
The publisher, The MIT Press, , February
24, 1999
An interesting look at science in the courtroom.
What is "scientific knowledge" and when is it reliable? These
deceptively simple questions have been the source of endless controversy. In
1993 the Supreme Court handed down a landmark ruling on the use of scientific
evidence in federal courts. Federal judges may admit expert scientific evidence
only if it merits the label "scientific knowledge." The testimony
must be scientifically "reliable" and "valid."
This book is organized around the criteria set out in the 1993 ruling.
Following a general overview, the authors look at issues of fit- whether a
plausible theory relates specific facts to the larger factual issues in
contention; philosophical concepts such as the falsifiability of scientific
claims; scientific error; reliability in science, particularly in fields such
as epidemiology and toxicology; the meaning of 'scientific validity"; peer
review and the problem of boundary setting; and the risks of confusion and
prejudice when presenting science to a jury.
The book's conclusion attempts to reconcile the law's need for workable rules
of evidence with the views of scientific validity and reliability that emerg
from science and other disciplines.
Kenneth R. Foster is Associate Professor of Bioengineering at the
"In their book, Kenneth Foster and Peter Huber attempt to explain those
odd sources cited in the majority opinion, to educate lawyers about basic
scientific thinking, and to give lawyers a context for the factors suggested by
the Court's 'general observation'...Remarkably free of jargon of either
profession, JUDGING SCIENCE offers a valuable way to think about science and
its use in the courtroom."
"This book...is directed towards and merits serious consideration by those
who present opinion for the courts and those who appear in Court. The examples
are wel chosen and very carefully discussed and dissected. Irrespective of the
differences between the
- HF Woods
Freyd, Pamela; Goldstein, Eleanor
Smiling Through Tears, 1998
Reviews
--Elizabeth Loftus, Ph.D., Author of The
Myth of Repressed Memories.
Dozens of books have been written on the false memory problem that arises
after vulnerable patients undergo suggestive therapy. But none is quite as
charming as Smiling Through Tears. By skillfully interweaving professional
cartoons with valuable information about the repressed memory controversy,
therapy gone crazy and the power of suggestion, Freyd and Goldstein educate
readers about one of the major problems in contemporary society. It's a must
read not only for families which have been affected, but also for therapists,
their patients; for educators and their students; and for people who care about
people.
From the Author
Tens of thousands of families have been torn asunder by false accusations
that have emerged from regression therapy. Adult children have come to believe
they were abused by parents they once loved and respected. It appears that they
have acquired false memories.
We hope to enlighten the general public about the abuses taking place in our
society because science and justice are being abandoned in the face of hysteria
and illogic. We also hope that after reading this book, which includes about
125 cartoons, afflicted families will come to understand that this social
phenomenon has reached public conciousness. With awareness, solutions will be
forthcoming.