Law and the Social Sciences

Go Back

Session Type: Section Programs

Session Capacity: 108

Location: Hilton San Francisco Union Square

Room: Continental Ballroom 2

Floor: Ballroom Level

Judges rely on social science data in a variety of contexts. Indeed, rigorous quantitative analysis and qualitative research informs fact-finding in many types of cases such as antitrust, education rights, employment discrimination, and voting rights. Social science data and analysis can be determinative for burden shifting, summary judgment, and threshold questions of justiciability. Social science research has also shed light on the behavior of judges, the dynamic of juries, and the motivation and effectiveness of attorneys.

This session will feature a discussion between judges and professors about the effectiveness, accessibility, and value of social science in the courtroom, and also about how empirical legal scholars can better engage in social science research that is useful to judges.

Business meeting at program conclusion.