Scientific Evidence and the Courts
On September 21 and 22, 2023, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), in collaboration with the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM), will host “Scientific Evidence and the Courts” at AAAS headquarters in Washington, DC. This event will examine critical issues regarding the admission and use of scientific and technical findings in the United States justice system.
The conference will mark the 100th anniversary of Frye v. United States (1923) and the 30th anniversary of Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (1993), two key federal court decisions on establishing a judge’s role as gatekeeper when determining the admissibility of scientific evidence and expert witness testimony at trial. Yet, application of the Frye or Daubert standard remains inconsistent across both federal and state courts, potentially allowing for unreliable evidence and testimony to enter trials, increasing the likelihood of unjust outcomes, such as wrongful convictions, and other violations of constitutional rights.
This event will be in-person with a livestream option for virtual attendees.