The Scientist or Engineer As an Expert Witness

The increased technical nature of litigation coupled with an increase in the number of cases have given rise to the need for a book specifically written for scientists and engineers called to testify as expert witnesses. Unique in its approach, The Scientist or Engineer as an Expert Witness assists these experts in clearly conveying the often complicated information to a non-technical audience.

Highly detailed and exceedingly thorough in scope, the book begins with a complete discussion of the functions of the expert witness before delving into the process of how attorneys find experts. A significant portion discusses the professional resume and other tools the expert can use to market him- or herself. The author supplies a helpful primer on the rules of evidence and a discussion of the attorney-expert witness relationship. He includes ample treatment of the use of reports and visual aids, as well as issues that arise during depositions. The book closes with a comprehensive discussion of the trial itself, followed by post-trial responsibilities. A complete glossary of terms further clarifies the material.

Dr. James G. Speight has more than 40 years’ experience in areas associated with the properties and processing of conventional and synthetic fuels. He is the editor of the journals Petroleum Science and Technology, Energy Sources Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects, and Energy Sources Part B: Economics, Planning, and Policy. He has testified numerous times as an expert witness and the guidance he provides gives witnesses all the information needed to testify confidently and effectively.

Being an Expert WitnessIntroduction An Expert Witness Types of Experts Types of Litigation Rules of the Court versus Rules of the Laboratory Work Product and Attorney–Client Privilege Ethical Considerations The Resume, the Internet, and Retention of the Expert Introduction The Resume Using the Internet Selecting and Retaining an Expert Retention of the Expert Conclusions The Expert Witness Introduction Qualifications and Experience The Client The Initial Attorney–Expert Contact The Expert and the Dispute Time to Walk Away Confidentiality and Nondisclosure Conclusions Attorney–Expert Witness Relationships Introduction Contact Scientists and Engineers Information from the Attorney Discoverable and Nondiscoverable Communications Interrogatories Depositions Reports Introduction Explaining Science and Engineering to Judges and JurorsThe Oral Report The Written Report Charts, Figures, and Visual AidsThe Predeposition and DepositionIntroductionThe Pleadings StageDiscovery Predeposition Preparation Items for the Deposition The Deposition Conflict of Interest The Trial Introduction Pretrial Preparation Trial PreparationCourtroom Layout Jury Trial and Bench Trial The Judge The Jury The Expert Witness in Court The Scientist or Engineer on the Witness Stand Epilogue Introduction After-Trial Responsibilities The Trial Transcripts Future Litigation Arising from the Trial Records Accumulated during the Case Lessons LearnedGlossary Bibliography and Additional Reading Index