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Welcome to

Social Science and Law

Introduction

Welcome to the Social Science and Law web site.  I developed this site as part of the Social Science and Law course I offer regularly at Cornell Law School. As a social scientist teaching in a law school, I'm interested in exploring how social science is used - and sometimes misused - in legal cases. I hope you find this site useful.

Regards,

Valerie Hans


IN THE NEWS:

    Abortion Rights:

    The Supreme Court of the United States ruled on June 24, 2022 in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, that the Constitution of the United States does not protect the right to abortion, placing that decision in the hands of elected officials. See the opinion and dissenting opinions. See also the amicus brief submitted on behalf of the Respondents by a group of social scientists.

    AFFIRMATIVE ACTION:

     

    The Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments in Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President & Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. University of North Carolina to determine whether universities can use race as a factor in admissions. See the amicus brief submitted on behalf the Respondents by the American Psychological Association, Massachusetts Psychological Association, and North Carolina Psychological Association.


Featured Video:

Heise

 

Cornell Law Professor Michael Heise provides background on the use of social science in education cases. Please click on photo above.

Using Social Science in Jury Selection:

Cornell Law professor Valerie Hans served as scholarly advisor for this podcast on how lawyers are employing social science theories and techniques to select juries.

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