Our free programs and resources educate the scientific community about the legal system and their rights and responsibilities.
Education for Scientists
Our goal is to educate the scientific community about the legal system, their rights, and their responsibilities. When scientists understand the legal issues surrounding their work, they’re able to better protect themselves against intimidation, media smear campaigns, and other forms of harassment.
We often collaborate with public universities, scientific societies, and other partners to raise awareness of our programming and ensure that it reaches scientists who may be at risk of ideologically motivated litigation or other attacks.
We offer:
Free Workshops: Our attorneys lead workshops that help scientists from all disciplines understand their legal rights and responsibilities, and also how these relate to science advocacy and engagement in policy-related activities. These events feature an overview of legal attacks on science and cover topics such as open records laws, how to separate personal advocacy from one’s professional role, how to deal with harassment and anti-lobbying regulations. We offer for these at universities and independent laboratories and in collaboration with a variety of scientific societies and non-profits.
Webinars: Led by our staff attorneys and leading legal experts, our webinars cover topics that help scientists understand the legal system and how to protect themselves. Similar to our workshops, these help scientists, academics, and researchers understand the rules and regulations impacting their work.
Our Services at Scientific Conferences: We partner with scientific societies and attend their meetings so we can engage directly with the science community. At these events, we provide free counseling services, discuss the legal issues facing researchers, and give updates on legal situations making their way through the court system. You can usually find us at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting.
Publications: We publish and distribute free educational resources to help scientists understand the risks they may face as a result of their work. View our complete list of reports and publications.
Please contact us if you’d like to partner with us on a project or arrange for a workshop for your group.
Education for Attorneys
Our programming prepares attorneys to defend researchers and protect the scientific endeavor. We also serve as a clearinghouse for information related to legal action taken against scientists, which can inform strategies for — and outcomes of — future cases.
Initiatives for attorneys and law professors include:
Research Protections in State Open Records Laws: An Analysis and Ranking: This comprehensive report is for scientists, lawyers, and policymakers. It includes specific guidance on each state’s FOIA laws, and a detailed legal guide including statutes, cases, decisions and other pertinent legal information. Learn more and download the report.
Continuing Legal Education Workshops: We occasionally offer continuing legal education (CLE) workshops to help the legal community understand the issues facing researchers and how to defend them against frivolous lawsuits. Our workshops meet the mandatory CLE requirements of state bars and are held around the United States.
This guide helps scientists—particularly those who receive federal or state funding—navigate the important notice-and-comment process and understand best practices for participating in agency rulemaking.
This guide covers specific types of potential risks related to serving as an expert witness and other consulting work, including legal issues, monetary concerns, and conflicts of interest.
Scientists: know your rights, recognize fear tactics, protect your research and reputation, and fight back against intimidation by fossil fuel corporations.
January 30, 2024 at 8:30 - 8:45AM Baltimore, MD & online
CSLDF will discuss ways that scientists can apply their expertise in advocacy efforts, both as professionals and as private citizens, and how scientists can safely participate in these activities while minimizing the risk of negative repercussions.
Learn best practices for getting involved in the upcoming election, how to engage with Congress on important legislative matters, and how scientists can be most effective in their advocacy efforts overall.
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