ABC calls primatologist
Biologist Jeremy Griffith and mountaineer Tim Macartney-Snape’s defamation trial against the ABC and Reverend David Millikan adjourned before lunch today to allow Justice David Kirby to finish reading Mr Griffith’s books.
“I want to get both Free and Beyond under my belt by next week. I am reading them fairly carefully and annotating them. The larger book [Mr Griffith’s 2003 book, A Species In Denial] and other material will have to wait until my holidays,” said the Judge.
Earlier in the day, the defendants opened their evidence by calling ANU-based primatologist Professor Colin Groves to the witness box to testify as to the scientific standard of Mr Griffith’s work. After tendering several reports, Professor Groves gave further evidence on what constitutes scientific endeavour and the role peer review plays in that process.
Cross-examination from the plaintiffs’ counsel Kieran Smark rounded out the morning session, when Justice Kirby adjourned until 12pm tomorrow
