Toxic Torts and Causation: The Challenge of Daubert after the First Decade

Natural Resources and Environment, Vol. 17, 2003

7 Pages Posted: 4 Oct 2012

See all articles by Jean M. Eggen

Jean M. Eggen

Widener University - Delaware Law School

Date Written: 2003

Abstract

This article looks back on the first decade following the United States Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The test set forth by the Court for the admissibility of scientific evidence acquired by the scientific method, and its subsequent extension and explanation of the test in General Electric Co. v. Joiner and Kumho Tire Co. v. Carmichael, have exerted significant substantive influence over certain areas of the law, including toxic torts. Because toxic tort plaintiffs rely heavily on expert scientific testimony to prove causation, the evidentiary standards applied to admissibility of that evidence may make or break a case. Over the first ten years, Daubert has generated more complex questions in toxic torts than the doctrine has answered. This article explores some of those questions, with particular emphasis on the treatment of novel scientific methodologies.

Keywords: toxic torts, scientific evidence, Daubert

JEL Classification: K13

Suggested Citation

Macchiaroli Eggen, Jean, Toxic Torts and Causation: The Challenge of Daubert after the First Decade (2003). Natural Resources and Environment, Vol. 17, 2003, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2156368

Jean Macchiaroli Eggen (Contact Author)

Widener University - Delaware Law School ( email )

4601 Concord Pike
Wilmington, DE 19803-0406
United States
(302) 477-2155 (Phone)

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