Which statement about the Daubert standard is correct?

• A. It requires general acceptance in the field.
• B. The scientific validity is determined by the judge.
• C. It applies only to civil cases.
• D. It is irrelevant to expert testimony.

Answer: (B)

Daubert establishes the judge as the gatekeeper who decides whether the science behind an expert’s testimony is scientifically valid and appropriate for the case. Instead of requiring that a method be generally accepted as the sole test of reliability, Daubert directs the judge to weigh factors like how testable the theory is, whether it has been peer-reviewed, the known error rates, and the existence of standards for applying the technique. This makes the judge the one determining the admissibility of the evidence based on its reliability and relevance. General acceptance comes from earlier Frye standards, not the sole criterion under Daubert, and Daubert applies to both civil and criminal cases, so it isn’t limited to one branch of law.