Geologists' studies of environment of deposition are increasingly subject to scrutiny by those who are not professionally knowledgeable in the subject. The study becomes one related to the phrase "to depose" and the environment becomes the legal context of malpractice litigation, the scrutiny by lawyers. Until very recent years, professional earth scientists were well insulated

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in the practice of their "black arts" from the lay public. Most contacts were with corporate clients or sophisticated investors. The dramatic increase in use of geologic maps and written opinion occasioned by the drilling fund, environmental impact statements, and the expansion of business in general, coupled with the developing sense of professionalism among earth scientists and a litigation-conscious public combine into "malpractice exposure." The geologist who understands this trend can minimize this exposure and afford himself, his employer, and his family a measure of protection as the times change.

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