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Expert Witness Testimony 2

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This document provides guidance for expert witnesses testifying in court. It discusses the role of expert witnesses, qualifications needed, and proper conduct both inside and outside the courtroom. Key points include: explaining technical testimony to the attorney pre-trial, dressing professionally, being established as an expert by discussing education/experience, giving expert opinions related to the specific case, and remaining focused while testifying but acknowledging limits of knowledge. The goal is to provide expert testimony in a clear, truthful manner that respects the authority of the court.

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Expert Witness testimonySouth Puget Sound Community CollegeForensics Department
Expert WitnessJury CSI effectLay witness:-no opinionsExpert witness:-knowledge in particular subject-testify to opinions
Expert WitnessFrye v. United States, 293 F. 1013 DC Cir (1923):-generally acceptedDaubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, 509 U.S. 579 (1993):-judges are gatekeepers-criteria for admission -precedence
Expert WitnessPre-Trial:-Conference w/attorney-explain processes-explain displays/charts-explain technical testimony-discuss questions-opposing counsel-Know court/courtroomDay of Court:-contact attorney-reports/exhibits Outside Courtroom-professional-don’t discuss case-read your reports-pictures/exhibits
Expert WitnessCalled In:-walk to stand/address judge-folder in left hand-upright/steady-take stand-remain standingSpeak:-clear/loud-oath/straightOn the stand:-sit straight-alert-focused-interested
Expert WitnessAPPEARANCE:-professional-uniform-business professionalMen:-Suit/sport coat & tie-Shined shoesWomen:-Business suit-Skirt/blouseNEVER:-Flip flops-Tank tops-Wife beaters-Shorts
Expert WitnessJewelryMales:-rings-watch-tattoos-hair length-shaven ?Females:-rings-watch-tattoos-hair length
Expert WitnessESTABLISHING EXPERT STATUS:Plaintiff/DefenseDirect examination:-Name-Employment (Title)Duties
Length-EducationDegrees/Institutions-TrainingSpecialized
Certifications/agency
Specific to duties-ExperienceTime
Employer (s)
Duties-Published

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Expert Witness Testimony 2

Editor's Notes

  1. Jury CSI effectLay witness:-saw/did/heard/no opinionsExpert witness:-education-training-skill-experience-knowledge in particular subject
  2. Frye v. United States, 293 F. 1013 DC Cir (1923):-generally acceptedDaubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, 509 U.S. 579 (1993):-Trial judges are gatekeepers-Established criteria for admissionWhether the scientific technique or theory can be tested.Whether the technique has been subject to peer review and publication.The techniques potential rate of error.Existence and maintenance of standards .Whether the scientific theory or method has attracted widespread acceptance within a relevant scientific community. -Precedence
  3. Pre-Trial:-Conference w/attorney-explain processes-explain displays/charts-explain technical testimony-discuss questions-opposing counsel-perfectly legal-not providing you answers-Know court/courtroomDay of Court:-early-contact attorney-reports/exhibits Outside Courtroom-other involved agencies-professional-don’t discuss case-read your reports-pictures/exhibits
  4. Called In: (Bailiff)-walk to stand-address judge-carry folder in left hand-upright/steady-take stand-remain standingSpeaking:-clear/loud-oath/straightOn the stand:-up straight-alert-focused-interested
  5. APPEARANCE:-impressions important-professional-uniform-business professionalMen:-Suit/sport coat & tie-Shined shoes-PresidentWomen:-Business suit-Skirt/blouseNEVER:-Flip flops-Tank tops-Wife beaters-Shorts
  6. JewelryMales:-rings-watch-earrings/nose rings/lip rings-tattoos-hair length-shavenFemales:-rings-watch-earrings/nose rings/lip rings-tattoos-hair length
  7. ESTABLISHING EXPERT STATUS:Trial judge (gatekeepers)Plaintiff/DefenseDirect examination:-Name-Employment (Title)DutiesLength3 P’s-EducationDegrees/Institutions-TrainingSpecializedCertifications/agencySpecific to duties-ExperienceTimeEmployer (s) Duties-PublishedStudiesBooks/Papers (peer reviewed)
  8. Opposite side:-Stipulate -Cross examination:DiscreditSpecific questionsArticles /studies disputingOkay to say “I don’t know”Judge Rules:Accept-testify to opinionDeny-testify to what you didPrecedenceCourt accepted expert witness
  9. Expert opinion-testing procedures-scientific processes-results-opinion/findingsNo biasesNo stake in outcomeDuty to truth only!
  10. Testifying:-listen to question-pause for 1-2 seconds-face jury-answer clearly/concise-ask for clarification-you set the pace-never lie!Notes/Report (ask permission)-case specific-aid for memory-permission to get upREMEMBER: RESPECT JUDGE’S HOUSE!!
  11. Cross Examination:-dreaded!!!-may stipulate (over)-not personal-reasonable doubt-discipline questions-low/high knowledge-articles/studies-error rates-”is it possible?”-don’t argue-courteous/smile-blocking trick-answer what you can