Judges’ Attitude Towards Scientific Evidence

Stephen Breyer, a judge of the US Supreme Court, wrote some fifteen years ago: »Scientific issues permeate the law (...). The law must seek decisions that fall within the boundaries of scientifically sound knowledge and approximately reflect the scientific state of the art (...). I believe that in this age of science we must build legal foundations that are sound in science as well as in law. Scientists have offered their help. We in the legal community should accept that offer, and we are in the process of doing so. The result, in my view, will further not only the interests of truth but also those of justice.« (Breyer, 1998: 537−538)