Commercial Union Insurance Company v. Boston Edison, 412 Mass. 545 (1992)

Commercial Union Insurance Company v. Boston Edison, 412 Mass. 545 (1992)

Court allows admissibility of computer simulations in Massachusetts citing other jurisdictions that allow computer simulations or models to be used to assist the factfinder. SJC will treat computer generated models or simulations like other scientific tests. Admissibility is conditioned on a sufficient showing that: 1. the computer is functioning properly, 2. the input and underlying equations are sufficiently complete and accurate (and disclosed to the other party so that they may challenge them); and 3. the program is generally accepted by the appropriate community of scientists. See Schaeffer v. General Motors Corp., 372 Mass. 171 (1977).