NCJ Number
16096
Journal
Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology Volume: 65 Issue: 2 Dated: (JUNE 1974) Pages: 239-247
Date Published
1974
Length
9 pages
Annotation
A DESCRIPTION OF TWO CIVIL RIGHTS COURT CASES IN WHICH A SOCIAL SCIENTIST PROVIDED TESTIMONY ON RELEVANT SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH, WITH A DISCUSSION OF PROBLEMS FACED IN COURT AND ETHICAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE SCIENTIST.
Abstract
THE DISCUSSION IS BASED ON THE PERSONAL EXPERIENCES OF THE AUTHOR IN TESTIFYING AS AN EXPERT WITNESS FOR THE DEFENSE. IN BOTH CASES, THE RESEARCH DESIGN USED IN THE STUDIES PRESENTED IN COURT ARE DESCRIBED. THE AUTHOR OUTLINES THE PROBLEMS FACED AS A SOCIAL SCIENTIST WORKING WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF SOCIAL CAUSES WHICH HE SUPPORTS. THESE PROBLEMS INCLUDE THE CONFLICT IN SCIENCE VERSUS ADVOCACY, APPROPRIATE RESEARCH DESIGN, THE DISPLAY AND SUPPRESSION OF EMPIRICAL DATA, THE STYLE OF TESTIMONY, THE INTERPRETATION OF FINDINGS, AND THE VULNERABILITY OF SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY. THE NEED TO EXERCISE SCIENTIFIC CAUTION IN THE STYLE OF EXPRESSING RESEARCH FINDINGS IN COURT AND THE NEED TO ASSURE THAT THE RESEARCH DESIGN CONFORMS TO THE RULES OF SCIENTIFIC METHODOLOGY AT ALL TIMES ARE STRESSED.