Legal Definitions - scientific knowledge

Scientific knowledge, in a legal context, refers to information or principles derived from the application of the scientific method. This type of knowledge is characterized by its reliability, validity, and the use of systematic, testable methodologies. It is typically based on empirical evidence, has been subjected to testing and peer review, and is generally accepted within the relevant scientific community. Courts often evaluate scientific knowledge to determine its admissibility as evidence, particularly when presented by expert witnesses.

• Example 1: Forensic DNA Analysis in a Criminal Case

  In a criminal trial for burglary, prosecutors present DNA evidence found at the crime scene, which matches the defendant's DNA profile. An expert witness from a forensic laboratory testifies about the process of DNA extraction, amplification, and comparison. This testimony relies on established scientific protocols, statistical analysis, and principles of molecular biology that have been extensively tested, peer-reviewed, and are universally accepted within the scientific community. The court accepts this as scientific knowledge because the methods are reliable, verifiable, and have a known error rate, making the DNA match a strong piece of evidence.

• Example 2: Medical Causation in a Personal Injury Lawsuit

  A plaintiff sues a negligent driver, claiming a specific spinal injury resulted directly from the car accident. A neurosurgeon testifies that, based on diagnostic imaging (like MRI scans), the plaintiff's medical history, and peer-reviewed medical literature on trauma-induced injuries, the accident was the direct cause of the plaintiff's herniated disc. This expert opinion is considered scientific knowledge because it is grounded in established medical science, relies on observable data and diagnostic tools, and applies generally accepted principles of human anatomy and pathology to determine causation.

• Example 3: Engineering Analysis in a Product Liability Case

  A consumer sues a manufacturer, alleging that a defect in a car's braking system caused an accident. An automotive engineer testifies, presenting data from stress tests, material analysis of the brake components, and computer simulations of the braking mechanism under various conditions. The engineer's conclusions about the design flaw and its role in the accident are based on established principles of mechanical engineering, physics, and materials science. This constitutes scientific knowledge because the methods used for testing, analysis, and simulation are standardized, verifiable, and widely accepted within the engineering and scientific communities, providing a reliable basis for their expert opinion.