Course Details

Quantitative Reasoning in the Law

This course introduces MSL students to quantitative ideas and techniques that arise in the courtroom through expert testimony. No mathematical background is needed. Topics include chance, descriptive statistics, data collection, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, statistical significance, elementary probability, selection bias, base rates, error rates, Bayesian reasoning, causation, legal studies, and the standards for admitting quantitative evidence.  Application areas include discrimination claims, trademark studies, racial profiling proof, DNA evidence, medical malpractice cases, and epidemiological evidence. Grades will be based largely on several weekly analyses, a group project, and a short test.

Catalog Number: LAWSTUDY 905-0

Additional Course Information: MSL students only


Course History

Fall 2024
Title: Quantitative Reasoning in the Law
Faculty: Koehler, Jonathan (courses | profile)
Section: 1ON     Credits: 1.5
Capacity: 50     Actual: 16

Spring 2024
Title: Quantitative Reasoning in the Law
Faculty: Koehler, Jonathan (courses | profile)
Section: 1     Credits: 1.5
Capacity: 18     Actual: 17

Fall 2023
Title: Quantitative Reasoning in the Law
Faculty: Koehler, Jonathan (courses | profile)
Section: 1ON     Credits: 1.5
Capacity: 50     Actual: 10

Fall 2022
Title: Quantitative Reasoning in the Law
Faculty: Koehler, Jonathan (courses | profile)
Section: 1     Credits: 1.5
Capacity: 18     Actual: 1

Fall 2022
Title: Quantitative Reasoning in the Law
Faculty: Koehler, Jonathan (courses | profile)
Section: 1ON     Credits: 1.5
Capacity: 50     Actual: 19