Discuss the Use of Scientific Evidence in the Courtroom and the Factors

question 15

Essay

Discuss the use of scientific evidence in the courtroom and the factors that must be considered to establish scientific validity. What are the advantages and disadvantages to using scientific evidence in court? Should this type of evidence be used by judges and juries with no scientific training? Explain your reasoning.

---

Definitions:

Empirical

Connects to, is concerned with, or is verifiable by firsthand observation or involvement in experiences over abstract theory or logical premises.

Multifactorial

Having many factors that contribute to it, often used in the context of genetics, behavior, and disease causation.

Empirical

Is about, focuses on, or is validated by seeing or living through something firsthand rather than by theory or abstract thought.

Direct Observation

A research method where behaviors or phenomena are watched and recorded as they naturally occur, without interference or manipulation by the observer.