Scientific Knowledge Law & Legal Definition

Scientific knowledge refers to a knowledge that is based on scientific methods which are supported by adequate validation. There are four primary factors that are used to determine whether evidence amounts to scientific knowledge:

1.whether it has been tested;

2.whether it has been subject to peer review and publication;

3.the known or potential rate of error;and

4.the degree of acceptance within the scientific community.

The following is a case law defining scientific knowledge:

Scientific knowledge refers to knowledge of a person that must be based on the methods and procedures of science rather than on subjective belief or unsupported speculation. The person must have good grounds for his/her belief.[Robert Billet Promotions, Inc. v. IMI Cornelius, Inc., 1998 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 4235 (E.D. Pa. Apr. 1, 1998)].