Author Description

"In Legal Alchemy, David Faigman explores the ways the American legal system incorporates scientific knowledge into its decision making. He shows how science has been used in the courtroom, from the O.J. Simpson trial to the Dow Corning Silicone breast implant lawsuit to landmark cases such as Roe v. Wade. He reveals how Congress uses scientific information to help enact legislation about clean air, cloning, and government science projects like the space station and the superconducting super collider. As Faigman describes these and other important cases, he provides disturbing evidence that many judges, juries, and members of Congress simply don't understand the science behind their decisions. Finally, he offers suggestions on how the science and legal professions can overcome their mis-communication and work together more effectively."--Jacket.