Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc. [1993]
509 U.S. 579 (1993) · Supreme Court of the United States · United States
Summary
Core evidence case for expert admissibility.
Facts
Plaintiffs offered expert testimony about birth defects allegedly linked to Bendectin.
Issue
What standard governs admissibility of scientific expert testimony under Rule 702?
Held
Trial judges must act as gatekeepers for reliable, relevant expert testimony.
Ratio Decidendi
Expert testimony must be reliable and fit the issues in the case.
Reasoning
Federal Rule of Evidence 702 displaced the older Frye general-acceptance test in federal court.
Significance
Core evidence case for expert admissibility.
Related Cases
No related cases listed.
Exam Tips
Review the ratio and reasoning before applying this case in problem questions.