LEGAL AFFAIRS - THE ULTIMATE ARBITER OF RADIATION EFFECTS - THE SCIENTIST OR THE LAWYER

The increasing role of the legal process in resolving questions of cau sation in radiation effects cases is discussed. The protective and cor rective functions of the law are contrasted. The manner in which causa tion is approached in civil litigation is compared with the epidemiolo gical method. The burden and standards of proof, the concept of materi al contribution and the approach to dosimetry, the special nature of m ulti-party cases, and the public perception of judicial determination on causation questions are mentioned.