The testimony of expert witnesses to inform courtroom decisions is critical if intelligent and just verdicts are to be reached. Few judges, jurors or lay witnesses possess the necessary knowledge to adequately understand the complexities of human behaviour as they relate to acts of interpersonal violence. While lay witnesses can testify to actual incidents or observations, it is the expert witness who can provide forensic significance to such evidence. This volume clearly defines the need for and role of expert witnesses in litigation. The author demystifies the process, and provides practical guidance on preparing and presenting expert testimony. In so doing, he will assist courts to more accurately assess and weigh eviden

The Preparation of Expert Witness Testimony

The preparation of expert witness testimony

To have any chance at all of pulling a rabbit out of a hat in a trial, you have to come to court armed with 50 rabbits, 50 hats and a lot of luck.

Edward Bennett Williams1

The key to the effective presentation of expert testimony is effective preparation. The failure to prepare adequately for expert testimony can result in critical information being kept from the jury. When that occurs, an accurate determination of truth is jeopardized.

Every witness, no matter how smart or experienced, can improve his or her courtroom testimony through efficient pretrial preparation with the attorney who will present the testimony. Every attorney, no matter how skilled or experienced, can improve the presentation of ...

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