Document: 509 U.S. 579 113 S.Ct. 2786 125 L.Ed.2d 469 William DAUBERT, et ux., etc., al., Petitioners,v.MERRELL DOW PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. No. 92-102. Argued March 30, 1993 Decided June 28, 1993. Syllabus * Petitioners, two minor children and their parents, alleged in suit against respondent that the children's serious birth defects had been caused by mothers' prenatal ingestion of Bendectin, a prescription drug marketed respondent. The District Court granted summary judgment based on well-credentialed expert's affidavit concluding, upon reviewing extensive published scientific literature subject, maternal use Bendectin has not shown to be risk factor for human defects. Although petitioners responded with testimony eight other experts, who conclusion can cause animal studies, chemical structure analyses, unpublished "rea alysis" previously statistical court determined this evidence did meet applicable "general acceptance" standard admission expert testimony. Appeals agreed affirmed, citing Frye v. United States, 54 App.D.C. 46, 47, 293 F. 1013, 1014, rule opinion technique is inadmissible unless "generally accepted" as reliable relevant community. Held: Federal Rules Evidence, Frye, provide admitting federal trial. Pp. ____. (a) Frye's test was superseded Rules' adoption. occupy field, States Abel, 45, 49, 105 465, 467, 83 450, and, although common law may serve an aid application, id., at 51-52, S.Ct., 468-469, respondent's assertion they somehow assimilated unconvincing. Nothing whole or text drafting history Rule 702, which specifically governs testimony, gives any indication necessary precondition admissibility evidence. Moreover, such rigid would odds liberal thrust general approach relaxing traditional barriers "opinion" (b) Rules—especially 702 —place appropriate limits purportedly assigning trial judge task ensuring both rests foundation hand. reliability established 702's requirement pertain "scientific . knowledge," since adjective "scientific" implies grounding science's methods procedures, while word "knowledge" connotes body known facts ideas inferred from accepted true good grounds. Rule's "assist trier fact understand determine issue" goes primarily relevance demanding valid connection pertinent inquiry admissibility. (c) Faced proffer under judge, pursuant 104(a), must make preliminary assessment whether testimony's underlying reasoning methodology scientifically properly applied issue. Many considerations will bear inquiry, including theory question (and been) tested, it subjected peer review publication, its potential error rate, existence maintenance standards controlling operation, attracted widespread acceptance within flexible one, focus solely principles methodology, conclusions generate. Throughout, should also mindful Rules. (d) Cross-examination, presentation contrary evidence, careful instruction burden proof, rather than wholesale exclusion uncompromising standard, means challenged. That even limited screening occasion, prevent jury hearing authentic breakthroughs simply consequence are designed seek cosmic understanding but, rather, resolve legal disputes. 951 F.2d 1128 (CA9 1991), vacated remanded. BLACKMUN, J., delivered unanimous respect Parts I II-A, II-B II-C, III, IV, WHITE, O'CONNOR, SCALIA, KENNEDY, SOUTER, THOMAS, JJ., joined. REHNQUIST, C.J., filed concurring part dissenting part, STEVENS, Michael H. Gottesman, Washington, DC, petitioners. Charles Fried, Cambridge, MA, Justice BLACKMUN Court. 1 In case we called 2 Petitioners Jason Daubert Eric Schuller born They parents sued California state court, alleging anti-nausea Respondent removed suits diversity 3 After discovery, moved judgment, contending does humans unable come forward admissible does. support motion, submitted Steven Lamm, physician epidemiologist, risks exposure various substances.1 Doctor Lamm stated he reviewed all defects—more 30 studies involving over 130,000 patients. No study found teratogen (i.e., substance capable causing malformations fetuses). On basis review, concluded during first trimester pregnancy 4 do not) contest characterization record regarding Bendectin. Instead, motion experts own, each whom possessed impressive credentials.2 These Their were "in vitro" (test tube) vivo" (live) link between malformations; pharmacological purported show similarities substances defects; "reanalysis" epidemiological (human statistical) studies. 5 judgment. only if principle " 'sufficiently have field belongs.' 727 F.Supp. 570, 572 (S.D.Cal.1989), quoting Kilgus, 571 508, 510 1978). petitioners' standard. Given vast data concerning held, establish causation. F.Supp., 575. Thus, animal-cell live-animal chemical-structure analyses relied could raise themselves reasonably disputable issue Ibid. Petitioners' recalculations no causal defects, ruled because review. 6 Ninth Circuit affirmed. (1991). Citing 1014 (1923), F.2d, 1129-1130. declared diverges "significantly procedures recognized authorities cannot 'generally technique.' Id., 1130, Solomon, 753 1522, 1526 1985). 7 emphasized Courts considering refused admit reanalyses neither nor 1130-1131. Those courts "particularly problematic light massive weight original supporting [respondent's] position, undergone full scrutiny community." 1130. Contending reanalysis generally community when verification others rejected "unpublished, normal process generated litigation." 1131. provided insufficient allow injuries accordingly, satisfy proving causation 8 We certiorari, --- ----, 320, 121 240 (1992), sharp divisions among proper Compare, e.g., Shorter, 257 U.S.App.D.C. 358, 363-364, 809 54, 59-60 (applying standard), cert. denied, 484 817, 108 71, 98 35 (1987), DeLuca Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 911 941, 955 (CA3 1990) (rejecting standard). II A. 9 70 years formulation case, dominant determining novel See E. Green & C. Nesson, Problems, Cases, Materials Evidence 649 (1983). increasing attack late, continues followed majority courts, Circuit.3 10 origin short citation-free 1923 decision derived systolic blood pressure deception test, crude precursor polygraph machine. what become famous (perhaps infamous) passage, then Columbia described device operation declared: 11 "Just discovery crosses line experimental demonstrable stages difficult define. Somewhere twilight zone evidential force recognized, go long way deduced well-recognized thing deduction made sufficiently gained particular belongs." App.D.C., F., (emphasis added). 12 Because "not yet standing recognition physiological psychological justify development, experiments thus far made," results inadmissible. 13 merits much debated, scholarship scope application legion.4 primary attack, however, content but continuing authority rule. contend adoption Evidence.5 agree. 14 interpret legislatively-enacted statute. Beech Aircraft Corp. Rainey, 488 153, 163, 109 439, 446, 102 445 (1988). 402 provides baseline: 15 "All admissible, except otherwise Constitution Act Congress, these rules, rules prescribed Supreme statutory authority. admissible." 16 "Relevant evidence" defined "any tendency determination action more probable less without evidence." 401. basic one. 17 course, predated half century. 450 (1984), considered pertinence background interpreting Evidence. noted Professor Cleary, Reporter, explained nevertheless application: 18 "In principle, remains. 'All provided. .' reality, knowledge exist, though somewhat altered form source guidance exercise delegated powers." 469. 19 common-law precept Abel entirely consistent 402's admissibility, unlikely drafters intended change 50-51, 468-469. Bourjaily 483 171, 107 2775, 97 144 hand, find doctrine Rules, so held superseded. 20 Here there specific speaks contested governing provides: 21 "If scientific, technical, specialized assist issue, witness qualified knowledge, skill, experience, training, education, testify thereto otherwise." 22 establishes absolute prerequisite Nor present clear incorporate makes mention "liberal thrust" 'opinion' testimony." U.S., 169, (citing 701 705). Weinstein, Sound; It Should Not Be Amended, 138 F.R.D. 631, 631 (1991) ("The depend lawyer-adversaries sensible triers evaluate conflicts"). permissive backdrop inclusion acceptance," exclusive austere absent incompatible trials.6 B 23 displaced mean, place evidence.7 disabled To contrary, ensure admitted relevant, reliable. 24 locus obligation clearly contemplates some degree regulation subjects theories about testify. "may thereto." subject knowledge."8 science. Similarly, subjective belief unsupported speculation. term "applies truths grounds." Webster's Third New International Dictionary 1252 (1986). Of unreasonable conclude "known" certainty; arguably, certainties See, Brief Nicolaas Bloembergen al. Amici Curiae ("Indeed, scientists assert know immutably 'true'—they committed searching new, temporary explain, best can, phenomena"); American Association Advancement Science National Academy Sciences 7-8 ("Science encyclopedic universe. represents proposing refining theoretical explanations world further testing refinement") original). But, order qualify inference method. Proposed supported validation—i.e., "good grounds," known. short, knowledge" evidentiary reliability.9 25 requires issue." This condition relevance. "Expert relate ergo, non-helpful." Weinstein Berger ¶ 702[02], p. 702-18. Downing, 1224, 1242 1985) ("An additional consideration 702—and another aspect relevancy —is proffered tied resolving factual dispute"). aptly Judge Becker one "fit." "Fit" always obvious, validity purpose necessarily other, unrelated purposes. Starrs, Restructured Revitalized: A Proposal Amend 26 Jurimetrics J. 249, 258 phases moon, example, certain night dark, darkness fact. However (absent creditable grounds link), moon individual unusually likely behaved irrationally night. "helpfulness" requirements embodied surprising. Unlike ordinary witness, see 701, permitted wide latitude offer opinions, those first-hand observation. 703. Presumably, relaxation usual knowledge—a "a 'most pervasive manifestation' insistence 'the most sources information,' Advisory Committee's Notes Fed.Rule Evid. 602 (citation omitted)—is premised assumption experience his discipline. C 27 then, outset, 104(a),10 (1) (2) issue.11 entails confident judges possess capacity undertake factors presume set out definitive checklist test. But observations appropriate. 28 Ordinarily, key answered tested. "Scientific today generating hypotheses them falsified; indeed, distinguishes science fields inquiry." Green, 645. Hempel, Philosophy Natural 49 (1966) ("[T]he statements constituting explanation empirical test"); K. Popper, Conjectures Refutations: Growth Scientific Knowledge 37 (5th ed. 1989) criterion status falsifiability, refutability, testability"). 29 Another publication. Publication (which element review) sine qua non admissibility; correlate reliability, S. Jasanoff, Fifth Branch: Advisors Policymakers 61-76 (1990), instances well-grounded innovative published, Horrobin, Philosophical Basis Peer Review Suppression Innovation, 263 J.Am.Med.Assn. 1438 (1990). Some propositions, moreover, too particular, interest published. submission component science," increases likelihood substantive flaws detected. Ziman, Reliable Knowledge: An Exploration Grounds Belief 130-133 (1978); Relman Angell, How Good Is Review?, 321 Eng.J.Med. 827 (1989). publication (or lack thereof) peer-reviewed journal dispositive, assessing premised. Additionally, technique, ordinarily consider rate error, see, Smith, 869 348, 353-354 (CA7 (surveying spectrographic voice identification technique), technique's operation. Williams, 583 1194, 1198 (CA2 1978) (noting professional organization's analysis), 439 1117, 99 1025, 59 77 (1979). 31 Finally, bearing inquiry. "reliability require, permit, explicit express 1238. 702[03], pp. 702-41 702-42. Widespread important ruling able attract minimal community," supra, 1238, viewed skepticism. 32 envisioned is, emphasize, one.12 Its overarching validity—and —of underlie proposed submission. focus, 33 rules. 703 opinions hearsay "of type forming inferences subject." 706 allows discretion procure assistance own choosing. 403 permits "if probative value substantially outweighed danger unfair prejudice, confusion issues, misleading jury. ." explained: powerful quite difficulty evaluating it. risk, weighing possible prejudice exercises control lay witnesses." F.R.D., 632. III 34 briefly addressing appear concerns parties amici case. expresses apprehension abandonment result "free-for-all" befuddled juries confounded absurd irrational pseudoscientific assertions. regard seems us overly pessimistic capabilities jury, adversary system generally. Vigorous cross-examination, proof attacking shaky Rock Arkansas, 44, 61, 2704, 2714, (1987). event concludes scintilla presented position reasonable juror true, remains free direct Civ.Proc. 50(a), likewise grant 56. Cf., Turpin 959 1349 (CA6) (holding favorable plaintiffs, sufficient defendant plaintiff's injury), 506 84, 47 (1992); Brock 874 307 (CA5 (reversing entered verdict plaintiffs insufficient), modified, 884 166 1989), 494 1046, 110 1511, 646 (1990); 680-681. conventional devices, safeguards where meets 702. greater extent, exhibit different concern. suggest role "invalid" sanction stifling repressive orthodoxy inimical search truth. Ronald Bayer Curiae. open debate essential analyses. Yet differences quest truth courtroom laboratory. perpetual revision. Law, disputes finally quickly. project advanced broad wide-ranging multitude hypotheses, incorrect eventually so, itself advance. probably wrong little use, reaching quick, final, binding judgment—often great —about events past. recognize practice, gatekeeping matter how flexible, inevitably occasion learning insights innovations. That, nevertheless, balance struck exhaustive particularized resolution disputes.13 IV 36 summarize: Evidence—especially 702—do assign Pertinent demands. inquiries focused almost exclusively gauged decisions courts. Accordingly, remanded proceedings opinion. 38 ordered. 39 Chief STEVENS joins, part. 40 petition certiorari presents questions: first, 1013 after enactment Evidence; second, valid, peer-review admissible. concludes, correctly my view, survive therefore join II-A second mooted holding, nonetheless proceeds construe very abstract, offers observations." Ante, 41 "General observations" customarily carry lower ones offered here suffer flaw observations—they deciding tend general, vague abstract. particularly unfortunate this, ultimate depends appreciation bodies judicially noticeable, subjec interpretations briefs amici. Twenty-two amicus indeed Court's contains citations secondary sources. 42 markedly typical briefs, large parts deal decided cases language—the sort material interpret. definitions method, validity, review—in matters afield expertise judges. say materials useful applied; unusual proceed caution to, our reach easily exceed grasp. 43 desirable decide questions presented, subscribe Part II-B, touchstones provides, points out, "[e]vidence similar reference "reliability." constructs argument parsing language "[i]f thereto. stresses "implies "connotes speculation." From "derived method." told, "appropriate validation." Indeed, footnote 9, decides "[i]n validity." ____, n. 44 Questions arise reading opinion, countless surely hundreds district try apply teaching Does dicta seeking "technical knowledge"—the types applies—or knowledge"? What difference technical knowledge; actually contemplate phrase "scientific, broken down into numerous subspecies expertise, authors pick descriptive covering received? confidence "preliminary states "key question" something "will tested." Following sentence three quotations treatises, speak testing, "the falsifiabilit , testability," ante, 45 defer judges; am loss meant said "falsifiability," suspect be, too. 46 doubt confides responsibility think imposes either amateur perform role. better advised leave development area future cases. syllabus constitutes prepared Reporter Decisions convenience reader. Detroit Lumber Co., 200 321, 337, 282, 287, 50 L.Ed. 499. received master's doctor medicine degrees University Southern California. He served consultant birth-defect epidemiology Center Health Statistics articles magnitude biological substances. App. 34-44. For Shanna Helen Swan, biostatics doctorate statistics Berkeley, chief section Department Services determines causes World Organization, Food Drug Administration, Institutes Health. 113-114, 131-132. Stewart Newman, chemistry Chicago, respectively, professor York Medical College spent decade studying effect chemicals limb development. 54-56. credentials similarly impressive. 61-66, 73-80, 148-153, 187-192, Attachment Opposition Summary Judgment, Tabs 12, 20, 21, 26, 31, 32. catalogue many side controversy, P. Gianelli Imwinkelried, § 1-5, 10-14 (1986 Supp.1991). Expert Witnesses Sufficiency Toxic Substances Litigation: Legacy Agent Orange Litigation, 86 Nw.U.L.Rev. 643 (1992) (hereinafter Green); Orenstein, Sixteen Years—the Effect "Plain Meaning" Jurisprudence, Need Committee Suggestions Selective Revision 60 Geo.Wash.L.Rev. 857, 876-885 Hanson, "James Alphonso Sixty-Five Years Old; Retire?," W.St.U.L.Rev. 357 (1989); Black, Unified Theory 56 Ford.L.Rev. 595 (1988); "Bases" Testimony: Syllogistic Structure Testimony, 67 N.C.L.Rev. Proposals Model Admissibility 235 (1986); Gianelli, Novel Evidence: Half-Century Later, 80 Colum.L.Rev. 1197 (1980); Court, 1986 Term, 101 Harv.L.Rev. 7, 119, 125-127 debates well-established academic landscape distinct term—"Frye-ologist" describe take Behringer, Introduction, 239, Lacey, 254, 264 (1984). Like Frye' merit, dispute survival divided commentators. 1194 1978), (1979) (Frye Evidence), Christopherson Allied-Signal Corp., 939 1106, 1111, 1115-1116 1991) (en banc) coexist), 112 1280, 117 M. Berger, Weinstein's 702-36 702-37 (1988) Berger) dead), Graham, Handbook 703.2 (2d lives). 28-29 Supp.1991) authorities). hold base discussion follows congressionally-enacted address judge-made affecting rights, violate Erie R. Co. Tompkins, 304 64, 58 82 1188 (1938). THE CHIEF JUSTICE "do[es] responsibility," post, explain entails. believe course note nature duty. applies "technical, knowledge." Our context here. typically distinguish "validity" (does purports show?) "reliability" produce results?). 595, 599 accuracy, hen's kick," 256 (1986), trustworthiness. (" '[T]he requiring testifies perceived senses opportunity observe, observed fact' information.' omitted)); Art. VIII (hearsay exceptions "under circumstances supposed furnish guarantees trustworthiness"). validity. 104(a) "Preliminary qualification person privilege, shall provisions subdivision [pertaining conditional admissions]. making bound privileges." preponderance proof. 175-176, 2778-2779, "novel" techniques, read specially unconventional well-estab ished propositions challenged novel, handily defended. firmly attained law, laws thermodynamics, judicial notice 201. number variat ons approach, slightly factors. 1238-1239 (on draws part); 702-42 Downing turn partially relied); McCormick, Defining Approach Admissibility, Iowa L.Rev. 879, 911-912 (1982); Symposium 187, 231 (1983) (statement Margaret Berger). extent ensured principles, versions well details. interpretation, opposed adjudicative factfinding, share characteristics endeavor: "The work sense enduring ephemeral. endless retesting, constant rejection dross retention whatever pure sound fine." B. Cardozo, Nature Judicial Process 178, 179 (1921).

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