Junk

Junk Science Fuels Wave of Misleading Lawsuits, Undermining Legal Integrity

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In recent years, the interplay between science and the legal system has garnered significant attention, particularly as allegations of ‘junk science’ being used in mass lawsuits have surfaced, stirring controversy and debate among legal and scientific communities. This phenomenon points to a broader trend where scientifically dubious claims find their way into courtrooms, potentially skewing the justice system. Scientists express concern over the misuse of scientific data that can lead to questionable legal outcomes. The term ‘junk science’ refers to data or analysis that is based on flawed research or methodology that lacks rigorous standards. … Read more

Washington Judge Allows Expert Testimony in Monsanto PCB Case, Rebuffs ‘Junk Science’ Claim

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Seattle, WA – A Washington state judge recently rejected Monsanto’s effort to disqualify expert testimony in a lawsuit regarding alleged PCB poisoning. The company had argued that the expert’s views amounted to “junk science,” but the judge disagreed, allowing the evidence to be presented to jurors. The case centers around claims that Monsanto is responsible for PCB exposure that plaintiffs argue has led to significant health problems. PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are chemical compounds that were widely used in industrial and commercial applications. They were banned in the late 1970s in the United States after … Read more

Revamped Federal Rule Sharpens Scrutiny on Expert Testimony in U.S. Courts, Aiming to Curb ‘Junk Science’ in Legal Battles

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WASHINGTON — In the intricate dance of courtroom litigation, expert witnesses often play a pivotal role, swaying jury opinions with their specialized knowledge. However, despite their advanced degrees and confident demeanor, these experts’ assertions are not always rooted in sound scientific practice. This potentially leads to unjust outcomes and multimillion-dollar verdicts, particularly in toxic tort lawsuits that hinge significantly on dueling expert testimonies. To address these concerns, the Federal Rules of Evidence, specifically Rule 702, dictate the admittance of expert testimony in federal courts. Traditionally, this rule allowed for a liberal acceptance of expert testimony, … Read more

Texas Man’s Execution Halted as He Testifies on Flaws in State’s Junk Science Law

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Austin, TX — A significant development occurred in Texas as the execution of Robert Roberson was halted, triggered by a legal tool intended to combat wrongful convictions from faulty evidence—the state’s pioneering “junk science” law of 2013. This law permits convicts to seek retrials if the evidence used during their trials is later deemed unreliable. Roberson was set to testify before a state House committee regarding the law’s implementation, just days after his scheduled execution. Roberson, 57, faced death row for the 2002 murder of his two-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, in Palestine, Texas. Prosecutors initially … Read more