Category: Toxicology The Gatekeeper Has a New Set of Keys: A Review of the Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence TASA ID: 1111 Understanding, preparing and presenting medical information, as well as responding to the conclusions and opinions from opposing counsel's experts, can be a daunting task for an attorney....Judges are faced with the same issues in determining what science and technical information can be admitted in the cases for which they are presiding. However, guidance is available to both judges and attorneys. Read more
Category: Medical & Healthcare, Toxicology Scientific Evidence and Causation of Toxicity TASA ID: 1111 Establishing causation is a critical - if not the most important - task when allegations of harm are made. This is particularly true for adverse consequence arising from illicit drugs, pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and other chemicals. Causation of adverse health effects and even wrongful death requires more than demonstrating an association or connection. Knowing whether or not there is a causal link between a toxicant and a claimed adverse health effect is important for both plaintiffs and defendants. Read more
Category: Automotive/Trucking, Engineering, Intellectual Property, Transportation Autonomous Vehicles TASA ID: 2246 Driverless vehicles, or as they are called autonomous vehicles, are a major topic of interest these days. A self-driving vehicle offers many advantages to the public, especially to the elderly and people with physical impairments who otherwise would not be able to drive. Then there is the issue that autonomous vehicles do not get drunk or become drowsy, and are not distracted by cell phones or children in the back seat. Thus they should, in principle, reduce the incidence of accidents and injuries to occupants. Another advantage suggested by the concept’s supporters is that by controlling speed and vehicle spacing patterns on highways, better overall fuel economy can be achieved and CO2 emissions reduced. Read more
Category: Working With Experts The Attorney-Expert Relationship: Unraveling the Complexity TASA ID: 1705 After all, many "facts" are disputable. Proficient experts should perform thorough investigations, during which we may assemble a wide-ranging body of relevant information-some of which may suggest alternative paths for pursuing a case. Competent litigation consultants can help attorneys win and triers of fact decide issues fairly. Read more
Category: Audio-Video Forensics The Eye in the Sky: Our World According to Digital Closed- Circuit TV Security Systems TASA ID: 620 Remember the 1970's song by The Alan Parsons Project, "The Eye in the Sky"? A memorable line from the lyrics was, "I am the Eye in the sky looking at you. I can read your mind." Have you ever walked down a city street and noticed video cameras on the top of light posts or telephone poles? Why on earth would anybody want to see that city street, let alone you walking down that street? Are public cameras an invasion of privacy, or are they "The Eye in the Sky" trying to read your mind, making adjustments to extraneous elements, and making your life easier? Read more
