NCJ Number
82721
Date Published
1982
Length
242 pages
Annotation
This book addresses the role of social science in several areas of litigation, especially class action suits; research techniques and successful strategy in the courtroom are emphasized.
Abstract
The work is designed to help attorneys learn how and when to use expert witnesses and to help social scientists become more effective in their courtroom appearances. Subjects addressed in the book include how social scientists and lawyers can work together, (legal ethics, microethics, macroethics), ethical imperatives, the nature of statistics and research as used in the courtroom, organizing data for courtroom use, the sign test in employment discrimination, the signed-ranks test in tax assessment discrimination, and the 't' test for the difference of two proportions in jury discrimination. Discussion covers social surveys to support a change of venue, selecting a defensible sample in municipal services discrimination, using the index of dissimilarity to determine the extent of segregation, and evaluating standardized tests in equal opportunity cases. In addition, several chapters focus on correlation and regression in voting rights litigation, controlling for third variables, and assessing the opponent's data. The work emphasizes that lawsuits, particularly those involving charges of ill treatment, involve factual dispute as well as legal argument. Social science techniques can provide a means to strengthen numerous aspects of the case regarding the factual interpretation of the injured party's position. A glossary, chapter notes and references, an index, 23 figures, and 20 tables are included.