| Standards for Admitting Expert Testimony |
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| In 1993, the United States Supreme Court established standards for admitting expert testimony when it decided Daubert v. Merrill Dow Pharmaceuticals. The Court held that for scientific evidence to be reliable, it has to be based on scientific validity. To be admissible at trial, a scientific theory has to have been tested and subjected to peer review and publication. The rate of error has to be shown, and there must be standards controlling any research on the theory. Finally, the theory has to be generally accepted in the scientific community.More... |
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| Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure |
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| The Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure were adopted in 1946. They govern the practice and procedure in all criminal proceedings in the federal court system. The goal of the rules is to assure the just determination of all criminal proceedings. The rules specify that they are to be interpreted to afford simplicity in procedure and fairness in administration. The rules are intended to prevent unnecessary delay and expense. More... |
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| Rules of Statutory Interpretation |
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| If the interpretation of a particular law becomes an issue in a case, the court must rely on rules of statutory interpretation or construction in deciding the law's meaning. This article discusses the main rules of statutory interpretation or construction.More... |
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| Meaningful Access to the Courts for Self-Represented Litigants |
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| The number of persons who represent themselves in court proceedings has increased significantly in recent years. The increase in self-representation is placing a strain on the court system. Individuals have a constitutional right to represent themselves, and the courts have a duty to make certain that all individuals have meaningful access to the courts. Family law matters, such as uncontested divorces or dissolutions and child support modifications, are common areas where individuals choose to represent themselves.More... |
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| Racial Profiling and the Criminal Justice System |
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| Racial profiling refers to the law enforcement practice of using race as a factor in deciding who is a suspicious person that should be investigated. Racial profiling is illegal.
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