A Civil Action - The Woburn Toxic Trial > Learning Modules > Timeline > Timeline Assignment

# Learning Module: Timeline of Events

## Student Assignment

Topics to Consider

- 1. From the readings (place references for readings here) and a chronology listed on the previous page, the families began to suspect an environmental link between the perceived leukemia cluster that occurred in Woburn prior to 1979. Between 1979 and the filing of a complaint on May 14, 1982, a considerable amount of study was in progress regarding a possible hazards related to chlorinated solvents and cancers. Why was it important for the families to act in 1982, considering numerous studies were in progress that may have helped their case?
- 2. From the highlighted readings (Effective Expert Witness, Matson, 1999), the author provides suggestions and guidance on methods for being an effective expert witness. Refer to court testimony from days (insert specific references). Compare the testimony presented by the plaintiffs expert hydrogeologist, Dr. George Pinder and Grace's expert hydrogeologist Dr. John Guswa. Explain how each used or ignored Matsons advice regarding expert witness testimony.
- 3. Judge Skinner used a multi-phased trial approach for the Woburn case. This approach was announced in the pretrial hearings. After reading "Science in the Courtroom" (check specific citation), explain why Jan Schlichtmann would perceived this as a disadvantage, why the defendant's attorneys would favor this approach and why Judge Skinner believed this approach would streamline the trial.
Return to Timeline Overview

« Previous Page