US judicial body removes climate research paper after complaints from Republicans

Source: Engadget

Background

The Federal Judicial Center’s Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence (4th edition) is a guide used by judges handling cases that involve complex scientific issues. The manual, which runs nearly 2,000 pages, originally included a chapter on climate science that presented the consensus view that human activities drive climate change.

Republican Complaint

A coalition of Republican state attorneys sent a letter to the Federal Judicial Center objecting to the climate‑science chapter. The letter argued that the chapter was not “independent” or “impartial” because it presented a single perspective on climate change and described the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as an “authoritative science body.” The attorneys cited a brief paper from the Fraser Institute, a Canadian conservative think tank, in support of their position.

Outcome

In response to the complaint, the Federal Judicial Center removed the entire climate‑science chapter from the manual. The revised document no longer contains any guidance on climate‑related evidence, leaving judges to rely on other sources when adjudicating such cases. The full text of the deleted chapter has been posted by RealClimate PDF link.

Context

The scientific consensus on climate change is reflected in more than 99.9 % of peer‑reviewed studies, which conclude that climate change is real and primarily caused by human activities source. The removal of the chapter has raised concerns about the availability of reliable scientific guidance for the judiciary in climate‑related litigation.