LAW 401 - Role of Social Science in Law.

This course will introduce students to the basic social science methods used to conduct social research. Students will not be expected to engage in actual research, but will use these basic methods to critically evaluate research finds that are used in a number of legal contexts. After gaining a facility with the basic principles and rules of social science research, the course will examine how courts, lawyers, and litigants use expert witnesses and scientific research to determine adjudicative facts, to make law, and plan for litigation. Students will also take part in multiple simulations in which they will evaluate and utilize scientific research in litigation exercises, such as using survey data to support/oppose change of venue motions and using scientific methodology to select jurors.Three hours.Keyser and Peppers