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Modern litigation, both criminal and civil, increasingly confronts claims about scientific evidence. The challenge for the legal system is to determine when these claims are justified and how much weight to give them. In this course we examine how legal decision-makers deal with a range of claims about scientific knowledge, involving topics such as DNA, fingerprints, eyewitness identification, handwriting analysis, epidemiological research, toxicology, and syndrome evidence. In each area we will consider the underlying scientific basis for these claims. On most topics we will look at expert testimony or hear from an expert in the particular field. Evaluation: Final Examination. Students may write a research paper in lieu of a final examination on a topic to be approved by the professor Teaching Method: Lecture and guest speakers Text: Conley & Moriarty, Scientific and Expert Evidence (Aspen) Prerequisites: Evidence