Saks appointed to National Conference of Lawyers and Scientists

Michael Saks, Regent’s Professor of Law and Psychology at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, has been appointed to serve as a member of the National Conference of Lawyers and Scientists. His term begins in February and runs for three years.

The National Conference of Lawyers and Scientists was established in 1974 as a joint standing committee of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Bar Association’s Section of Science and Technology Law.

Its goals are to promote a better understanding of science among lawyers and judges and of the legal system among scientists; to improve communications between lawyers and judges on the one hand and scientists and engineers on the other; to monitor and examine emerging public policy issues of concern to both lawyers/judges and scientists/engineers; to examine such issues cooperatively and, where appropriate, to recommend policy alternatives to their respective organizations and others relating to such matters; to sponsor joint symposia, programs and studies; and to identify and collaborate with groups from other nations interested in exploring similar subjects.

It has been at the leading edge of exploring issues at the interface of science and law, including scientific misconduct, genetic enhancement, the ethical, legal, and policy implications of genetic testing, and emerging issues in neuroscience.

Saks’ research focuses on empirical studies of the legal system, especially decision-making; the behavior of the litigation system; and the law’s use of science. He is the fourth most-cited law-and-social-science scholar in the U.S., and has authored approximately 200 articles and books. Courses he has taught include criminal law, evidence, law and science, property and torts.

Judy Nichols, Judy.Nichols@asu.edu
Office of Communications, College of Law
480-727-7895