This thesis reviews the scientific, litigatory, policy parameters of the Agent Orange controversy. Agent Orange, an herbicide used by the United States during the Viet Nam War, is the subject of continuing conflict involving its possible deleterious effects on veterans who may have been exposed to the herbicide. Central to this controversy are various legal issues. Many of these issues are a result of the governmental philosophy that defines government’s role vis-a-vis citizens, its employees, and the private enterprise sector.This study critically reviews the areas which are of major influence in this subject area and makes a proposal for action involving the legal issue of the burden of proof.