Science and the Legal System
Author: Shari Seidman Diamond
This research (with Richard O. Lempert) considers the relationship between scientists and engineers and the legal system. Surveys and in-depth interviews have yielded a wealth of findings, including most of the scientists and engineers surveyed agreed to participate in lawsuits when asked, more often for educational and moral reasons than financial. If the scientists and engineers refused to participate in lawsuits when asked, it was mainly because they lacked the time or relevant expertise. Some of the scientists and engineers reported being uncomfortable with adversarial legal proceedings and would be more likely to participate in the future if procedural changes were made.
Recent media coverage: