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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Daubert hearing
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A quick definition of Daubert hearing:
Daubert Hearing: A special meeting held by a court to decide if the testimony of an expert witness is important and trustworthy enough to be used in a trial. This meeting happens before the trial starts and is based on rules set by the Supreme Court in a case called Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in 1993.
A more thorough explanation:
A Daubert hearing is a legal proceeding that takes place in federal district courts before a trial. The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether proposed expert testimony meets the federal requirements for relevance and reliability. This was clarified by the Supreme Court in the case of Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in 1993.
For example, if a plaintiff in a personal injury case wants to introduce expert testimony from a doctor about the cause of their injuries, the defense may request a Daubert hearing to challenge the admissibility of the testimony. The judge will then evaluate the doctor's qualifications, the methodology used to reach their conclusions, and whether their testimony is relevant and reliable enough to be presented to a jury.
The purpose of a Daubert hearing is to ensure that expert testimony is based on sound scientific principles and methods, rather than speculation or personal opinion. This helps to ensure that juries are presented with reliable evidence and can make informed decisions based on the facts of the case.