The Science and Technology Guidebook for Lawyers - Joseph R Carvalko

The Science and Technology Guidebook for Lawyers Joseph R Carvalko ISBN 9781627226721

Legal professionals operating at the intersection of law, science, and technology don’t need a PhD to represent their clients effectively—but they do need a solid understanding of how science and technology shape today’s society. Grasping how science works, what constitutes valid scientific practice, and its inherent limitations allows lawyers to evaluate how a scientific discovery or technological innovation may impact a client’s interests. This book offers clear, accessible explanations of specific scientific fields and technologies, illustrated through real-world cases.

The book opens by exploring the question, “What is science?” from two perspectives: that of the scientist and that of the legal practitioner. Using examples from forensic science, it demonstrates the importance of sound scientific practice and includes a concise overview of the philosophy of science. The text then examines the critical role of definition and interpretation in framing legal issues that depend on science and technology.

Subsequent chapters cover key topics, including:

• Forensic science

• Statistical estimation, distributions, and variation

• Science and technology policy, with a focus on genetic engineering

• Federal evidentiary standards

• Fourth Amendment issues and communications technology

• Forms of technology protection, including intellectual property, copyright, software, trademarks, and the internet

• Patents and transformative technologies

• Challenges in biotechnology

• Economic and societal impacts at the convergence of law, science, and technology

To competently represent clients in matters where law, science, and technology intersect, lawyers must be able to analyze complex techno-scientific information as if it were within their own expertise. This book provides the foundation for achieving that essential skill.

The Science and Technology Guidebook for Lawyers Joseph R Carvalko ISBN 9781627226721, 978-1627226721 & 9781627226738

Authors
Joseph R Carvalko
Cara Morris