Includes bibliographical references and index.

As a matter of fact -- Zebras, horses, and the nature of inference -- The burden of proof -- How to tell the truth with statistics -- Testimony, and not only in court -- Testing testimony -- Of lies and liars -- Can we believe our eyes and ears? -- Of experts and expertise -- The science of crime -- The ever-expanding domain of expertise -- The relevance of the past to the present -- Seeing what we want to see.

"A noticeable shift in focus has occurred in public discourse from What is our best course of action? to What are the true facts of the situation? At the center of these debates are questions on the proper use of evidence, Legal scholar Schauer offers clarity based on how legal systems grapple with these questions-and by drawing insights from psychology, philosophy, economics, history, and decision theory"-- Provided by publisher.