Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1991
Keywords
Amicus curiae briefs, Social science research, Maryland v. Craig, Empirical research, Expert evidence, Frye v. United States, Lockhart v. McCree
Disciplines
Courts | Evidence | Law and Psychology | Law and Society | Legal Writing and Research
Abstract
Social scientists have increasingly become involved in the submission of amicus curiae or "friend of the court" briefs in legal cases being decided by state and federal courts. This increase has triggered considerable debate about the use of briefs to communicate relevant social science research. This article evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of various methods of summarizing social science research for the courts. It also reviews the procedures for submitting briefs developed by the American Psychology-Law Society which, in collaboration with the American Psychological Association, has submitted its first brief in Maryland v. Craig, a case recently decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Recommended Citation
Roesch, Ronald G.; Golding, Stephen L.; Hans, Valerie P.; and Reppucci, N. Dickon, "Social Science and the Courts: The Role of Amicus Curiae Briefs" (1991). Cornell Law Faculty Publications. 413.
https://scholarship.law.cornell.edu/facpub/413
Publication Citation
Published in: Law and Human Behavior, vol. 15, no. 1 (February 1991).
Included in
Courts Commons, Evidence Commons, Law and Psychology Commons, Law and Society Commons, Legal Writing and Research Commons