Scientific Conventions, Ethics and Legal Institutions

This article examines the use of epidemiology to evaluate Risks posed by toxic substances. Using illustrations drawn from an elaborate example, it argues that scientists applying usual conventions in doing statistical studies tend to ignore important normative issues

The Normative Nature of Risk Assessment: Features and Possibilities

Dr. Cranor argues that appreciating risk assessment to be permeated with normative presuppositions, in contrast with being primarily objective, opens up unforeseen possibilities for risk management

Science Courts, Evidentiary Procedures and Mixed Science-Policy Decisions

This paper analyzes the potential for science courts to address the social need to regulate human carcinogens and concludes that, on balance, it is not high. From this vantage point, Professor Cranor suggests desiderata for application in other areas where science courts might be used

Scientific Ignorance and Reliable Patterns of Evidence in Toxic Tort Causation: Is There a Need for Liability Reform?

As a first step to preserving the central aims of tort law, courts will need to recognize the wide variety of respectable, reliable patterns of evidence on which scientists themselves rely for drawing inferences about the toxicity of substances. Courts may also need to take further steps to address the woeful ignorance about the chemical universe. This may necessitate changes in the liability rules

Scientific Ignorance and Reliable Patterns of Evidence in Toxic Tort Causation: Is There a Need for Liability Reform?

As a first step to preserving the central aims of tort law, courts will need to recognize the wide variety of respectable, reliable patterns of evidence on which scientists themselves rely for drawing inferences about the toxicity of substances. Courts may also need to take further steps to address the woeful ignorance about the chemical universe. This may necessitate changes in the liability rules

Cranor\u27s Reply

Dr. Cranor\u27s reply to Merz and Frey