Are you struggling with citing the Daubert v Merrell Dow case in your APA paper? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Citing legal cases in APA format can be confusing, but it’s important to get it right to ensure the credibility of your research. In this guide, we’ll break down the steps for properly citing the Daubert v Merrell Dow case in APA format, so you can focus on your research and not worry about formatting. Let’s get started!
Case name (Year the case was decided). In Reports citation (Volume number, first page). URL or database name.
Example:
Daubert v Merrell Dow (1993). 509 U.S. 579. LexisNexis Academic.
Note: The case name is italicized, and the volume number and first page are in non-italicized font.
How to APA Cite Daubert v Merrell Dow
If you’re writing a research paper or academic article on legal issues, you may need to cite the landmark case of Daubert v Merrell Dow. This case, which was decided by the US Supreme Court in 1993, established the standard for admitting expert testimony in federal court. Here’s how to APA cite Daubert v Merrell Dow in your writing.
Background of Daubert v Merrell Dow
Daubert v Merrell Dow was a case involving Bendectin, a drug that was used in the 1950s and 1960s to treat morning sickness in pregnant women. The plaintiffs in the case alleged that the drug caused birth defects in their children. The defendants argued that there was no scientific evidence to support the plaintiffs’ claims, and that the plaintiffs’ experts were not qualified to testify about the supposed link between the drug and birth defects.
In 1993, the US Supreme Court issued a ruling in Daubert v Merrell Dow that established a new standard for evaluating the admissibility of expert testimony in federal courts. The Court held that judges should act as “gatekeepers” and determine whether the expert testimony is based on sound scientific methodology and whether it is relevant to the case at hand.
APA Citation for Daubert v Merrell Dow
To cite Daubert v Merrell Dow in your writing, you should follow the APA citation style for legal cases. The citation should include the following information:
– The names of the parties involved in the case (in italics)
– The volume number and name of the reporter where the case is published
– The page number where the case begins
– The year that the case was decided
Here’s how the citation should look:
Daubert v Merrell Dow, 509 U.S. 579 (1993).
Benefits of the Daubert Standard
The Daubert standard has several benefits for the legal system. First, it helps to ensure that expert testimony is based on sound scientific methodology. This can help to prevent “junk science” from being introduced into the courtroom, which can lead to unjust outcomes.
Second, the Daubert standard promotes consistency in the admissibility of expert testimony across federal courts. Before Daubert, different courts used different standards for evaluating expert testimony, which could lead to confusion and uncertainty.
Finally, the Daubert standard allows judges to play an important role in ensuring that only relevant and reliable evidence is presented to the jury. This can help to simplify the trial process and make it more efficient.
Daubert v Merrell Dow vs Frye v United States
Before Daubert, the standard for evaluating expert testimony in federal courts was based on the 1923 case of Frye v United States. Under the Frye standard, expert testimony was admissible only if it was based on a scientific technique that was “generally accepted” in the relevant field.
The Daubert standard represents a departure from Frye in several important respects. First, it requires judges to evaluate the scientific methodology underlying the expert testimony, rather than simply looking to see whether it is “generally accepted.” Second, it applies to all types of expert testimony, not just scientific testimony. Finally, it allows judges to consider a wider range of factors in evaluating expert testimony, including whether it has been subjected to peer review and whether it has a known or potential error rate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re citing Daubert v Merrell Dow in your writing, be sure to follow the APA citation style for legal cases. The Daubert standard has several benefits for the legal system, including promoting consistency and ensuring that only reliable and relevant evidence is presented to the jury. Finally, the Daubert standard represents a departure from the earlier Frye standard, and has become the prevailing standard for evaluating expert testimony in federal courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some commonly asked questions about APA citation for the case of Daubert v. Merrell Dow:
What is the case of Daubert v. Merrell Dow?
The case of Daubert v. Merrell Dow is a landmark case in United States federal law regarding the admissibility of expert witness testimony during legal proceedings. The case involved a lawsuit against the pharmaceutical company Merrell Dow, which was accused of manufacturing a drug that caused birth defects. The court had to determine whether the expert testimony presented by the plaintiffs was based on reliable scientific methodology and could be admitted as evidence.
If you need to cite this case in your work, you can use the following APA citation format:
Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 509 U.S. 579 (1993).
What is APA citation?
APA citation is a standardized method for acknowledging sources of information used in academic research and writing. It stands for the American Psychological Association, which developed the guidelines for APA citation style. APA citation style is commonly used in the social sciences, such as psychology, sociology, and education.
To cite a legal case in APA style, you need to include the following information: case name, volume number, reporter abbreviation, page number, and year of publication.
Why is APA citation important?
APA citation is important because it allows readers to locate and verify the sources of information used in your work. This is particularly important in academic research, where the accuracy and reliability of information is essential. By citing your sources using APA style, you demonstrate your ability to engage in ethical and responsible research practices.
APA citation also helps you avoid plagiarism, which is the act of using someone else’s work without giving them proper credit. Plagiarism is a serious offense in academic settings and can result in disciplinary action.
How do I cite a legal case in APA style?
To cite a legal case in APA style, you need to include the following information:
Case name, volume number, reporter abbreviation, page number, and year of publication. For example: Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 509 U.S. 579 (1993).
You should also include the name of the court that decided the case, if it is not clear from the citation. For example: Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 509 U.S. 579 (1993) (Supreme Court).
Where can I find more information about APA citation?
You can find more information about APA citation in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, which is the official guide for APA style. You can also find helpful resources and tutorials on the APA website.
If you have specific questions about APA citation, you can consult with your instructor or a librarian for guidance.
Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals Case Brief Summary | Law Case Explained
In conclusion, understanding how to properly APA cite Daubert v. Merrell Dow is important for anyone involved in legal research or writing. By accurately citing this case, you can ensure that your work is credible and authoritative.
When citing Daubert v. Merrell Dow, it’s essential to follow the APA guidelines carefully. This means including all relevant information, such as the case name, volume number, and page numbers, in the correct format.
Overall, APA citing can seem like a daunting task at first, but with practice and attention to detail, it becomes second nature. By mastering the art of APA citation, you can enhance the quality and professionalism of your legal work, making you a more successful and respected legal professional.
