The Law on What Documents Scientists Must Keep and Disclose

Authors

Michael B. Gerrard, Columbia Law SchoolFollow
Elizabeth Sheargold, Columbia Law School, Sabin Center for Climate Change Law

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2012

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1029/2012EO440002

Abstract

Recently, several climate scientists have received demands to produce their raw data, working notes, e-mails, letters, or other communications. These demands may come in the form of subpoenas, U.S. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, or requests during litigation. Below are some general guidelines for scientists about complying with their document retention and disclosure obligations, both as a matter of routine practice and in the event of legal action. This article concerns only U.S. laws and is not legal advice, which should be sought from the scientist's lawyers or those of his or her employer.

Disciplines

Law

Center/Program

Sabin Center for Climate Change Law

Recommended Citation

Michael B. Gerrard & Elizabeth Sheargold, The Law on What Documents Scientists Must Keep and Disclose, 93 Eos 437 (2012).
Available at: https://scholarship.law.columbia.edu/faculty_scholarship/3039

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