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Expert Evidence Standards

Juries and judges should have access to the most complete and accurate evidence during trials, and be presented with scientifically and factually accurate information to allow them to make well-informed decisions.

The Problem

Many courts have lax standards for evidence and judges who abandon their role as gatekeepers, resulting in an abundance of “junk science” evidence presented to jurors. This is especially common in litigation regarding the glyphosate-based Roundup weed killer and talcum baby powder.

ATRA’s Position

ATRA supports implementation of Federal Rule of Evidence 702 in courts, requiring that theories must be based on sound scientific method. The Rule 702 standard is utilized in the federal court system and by a majority of states. Further, ATRA believes judges must follow applicable laws regarding evidentiary standards if they are in place in their state.

Search Through ATRA Reforms

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Expert Evidence Standards News and Press

Explore ATRA's most recent press releases and blogs around Expert Evidence Standards

Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week 2026: Somebody Paid for That Billboard. It Was You.

You see the ads on the interstate, between innings and during the 11 oR...
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Kansas a “Tort Reform Trailblazer” After Lawmakers Override Vetoes, Pass Sweeping Legal Reforms

Kansas lawmakers earned a “Tort Reform Trailblazer” designation in the Ame...
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Wisconsin Named “Tort Reform Trailblazer” After Lawmakers Crack Down on Junk Science in Courts

Wisconsin earned national recognition as a “Tort Reform Trailblazer” in th...
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Search Resources

Search through all of ATRA's Amicus Briefs, Reports, and Other Resources around Expert Evidence Standards
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States
Status
Post Types
Date
In Re Longview Energy Co.
(Tex. Filed in January of 2015): Arguing that the statutory limit on appeal bonds should apply per judgment, not per judgment per party. ...
Texas
  • Court Ruled in Favor of ATRA's Position iconCourt Ruled in Favor of ATRA's Position
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Kesner v. Superior Court and Haver v. BNSF Railrods
(Cal., filed in March of 2015): Arguing that the California Supreme Court should reject the theory of take-home exposure in asbestos cases. ...
California
  • Court Ruled Against ATRA's Position iconCourt Ruled Against ATRA's Position
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In Re Urethane
(U.S. Supreme Court, filed in April of 2015): Arguing that the Court must clarify the Rules Enabling Act and Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Pro...
SCOTUS
  • Case Settled iconCase Settled
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Lompe v. Sunridge
(U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, filed in April 2015).  Arguing that it is improper to use a defendant’s wealth evidence in an uncon...
10th Circuit
  • Court Ruled in Favor of ATRA's Position iconCourt Ruled in Favor of ATRA's Position
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Tyson Foods, Inc. v. Bousaphakeo
(U.S. Supreme Court, filed in April of 2015): Arguing that the Court should grant cert in order to clarify the law and only allow class actions when a...
SCOTUS
  • Court Granted Cert iconCourt Granted Cert
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Scapa Dryer Fabrics v. Knight
(Ga., filed in May of 2015).  Arguing that the “any exposure theory” is not sufficient to be causative of mesothelioma. ...
Georgia
  • Court Ruled in Favor of ATRA's Position iconCourt Ruled in Favor of ATRA's Position
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May v. Air & Liquid Systems, Inc.
(Md., filed in May of 2015): Arguing that a manufacturer does not has a duty to warn with respect to asbestos-containing products manufactured, suppli...
Maryland
  • Court Remanded Case Back to Lower Court iconCourt Remanded Case Back to Lower Court
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Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. v. The Super. Ct. of S.F. Cnty.
(Cal., filed June 2015): Arguing that it is improper for California courts to exercise specific personal jurisdiction over a company that has no conne...
California
  • Court Ruled Against ATRA's Position iconCourt Ruled Against ATRA's Position
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Rains v. Stayton
(Ore., filed in July of 2015): Arguing that the state’s statutory limit on noneconomic damages is constitutional and does not infringe on a plaintiff’...
Oregon
  • Court Remanded Case Back to Lower Court iconCourt Remanded Case Back to Lower Court
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Spokeo v. Robins
(U.S. Supreme Court, filed in July of 2015): Arguing that a bare violation of a federal statute does not confer Article III standing upon a plaintiff ...
SCOTUS
  • Court Ruled in Favor of ATRA's Position iconCourt Ruled in Favor of ATRA's Position
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