Evidence of social science research: Law, practice, and options in the family court of Australia.

摘要

Use of research to prove social facts in American courts is diverse and expanding.; Social facts are often in issue in children's proceedings in the Family Court. This paper discusses many ways the court can access the research.; Judgments show the judges rely on social facts, often without stating the basis of such findings or relying on (unidentified) "research".; Judges say they rely on their beliefs about the research. Most have not studied social sciences but read research results in newspapers and elsewhere. They want increased access to research in hearings. The paper suggests how.