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Re: Scientific Method
Posted by:
dcarpenter (IP Logged)
Date: May 12, 2022 10:09AM
The major difference between the law and science is the end result. Science is never "settled" or final. On any given day, new evidence can be produced that disproves a hypothesis and may allow for an alternative hypothesis to be formulated with evidence.
The judicial system's goal is finality of decisions. While there are remedies for "bad" law decisions, it is ratcheted towards the finality of any decision.
The judicial system accepts "science" into the courtroom, but does not practice science. Thus, they rely on experts to demonstrate the science. However, they should not allow the application of an unreliable methodology to prevail in the courtroom. As a professional, it is the duty as an expert in a court of law to explain and defend their use of science and how they arrived at a reliable determination. Anything else is professionally unacceptable.
Douglas J. Carpenter, MScFPE, CFEI, PE, FSFPE
Vice President & Principal Engineer
Combustion Science & Engineering, Inc.
8940 Old Annapolis Road, Suite L
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 884-3266
(410) 884-3267 (fax)
www.csefire.com