PublicHistoryRoundtable Historians As Expert Witnesses where Scientific Controversy Is Alleged

AHA Session 68
Friday, January 4, 2013: 8:30 AM-10:00 AM
Oak Alley Room (Sheraton New Orleans)
Chair:
David A. Hollinger, University of California, Berkeley
Topics:
Historians As Expert Witnesses: Eugenic Sterilization
Daniel J. Kevles, Yale University
Historians As Expert Witnesses: Climate Change
Naomi Oreskes, University of California, San Diego
Historians As Expert Witnesses: Tobacco Litigation
Robert Proctor, Stanford University

Session Abstract

In recent years, historians have become more involved as expert witnesses in cases of scientific study.  Focusing on three case studies - tobacco litigation, eugenic sterilization, and global warming - this panel will highlight the work of three prominent historians of science who have done such work.  Panelists will discuss not only the specifics of each of their cases but also the larger professional issues involved in providing such expert testimony.

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