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Epilogue: Science and the Law— Toward Common Ground
“. . . science can sometimes get it wrong. . . . Science is not always value-free, and most importantly, . . . when lawyers accept the validity of an established scientific paradigm uncritically, they do risk making the same mistake as scientists.”
—Michael Hoeflich
Several scientists and engineers who had served as expert witnesses concluded by urging their colleagues to enter the courtroom—both for their own education and to assist in this communication process. Several experts emphasized that the courtroom is one forum where scientists can help raise the public’s understanding of science and the ways in which it underlies many aspects of modern life.