The Scientific Basis of Causality in Toxic Tort Cases

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Causality in Science
1. Generalization in Science: From Caused to Can Cause
2. Can’t Cause in Science
3. Qualifications of the Expert in Toxic Torts
1. Causality
2. Non-Causal Knowledge
3. Scientific and Medical Experts Distinguished
4. Validity of Scientific Knowledge
1. Intrinsic Validity
2. Extrinsic Validity
3. Reliance on the Work Product of Blue-Ribbon Committees
5. Application of Scientific Reasoning in Toxic Tort Cases
1. Principal Inductive Opinion
2. Exposure to the Toxic Agent
3. Principal Deductive Opinion
6. Admissibility of Scientific Evidence in Toxic Tort Cases
1. Modern American Jurisprudence Regarding Reliability of Expert Testimony: Frye to Daubert
2. The Hearsay Rule
7. Evaluation of Scientific Reasoning by the Trier of Fact
1. The Expert’s Choice of Method and Data
2. Principal Inductive Opinion
3. Principal Deductive Opinion
8. Doe v. Blue: A Hypothetical Toxic Tort Case
9. Conclusion
10. Glossary
11. Appendix: The Logical Structure of Scientific Studies Relevant to Toxic Tort Cases