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Statistical Evidence in the US Courts: An Appraisal
Author(s) -
Fienberg Stephen E.,
Straf Miron L.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
journal of the royal statistical society: series a (statistics in society)
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.103
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1467-985X
pISSN - 0964-1998
DOI - 10.2307/2982694
Subject(s) - psychology , law , political science
SUMMARY Over the past 30 years, a dramatic change has taken place with respect to the role of statistical evidence in American legal proceedings. From a situation in the early 1960s when statistical evidence was rarely allowed into evidence the US courts have moved to a position in which the use of statistical arguments and data is common and statistical experts often appear on opposing sides, presenting conflicting testimony. During the mid‐1980s a panel appointed by the National Research Council reviewed the then recent use of statistics as evidence and, in a recently published report, the panel described the current status of statistical evidence, making recommendations that focus on three major areas: the maintenance of professional autonomy of statistical experts, the enhancement courtroom presentation of statistical evidence and implications for legal and statistical education.