NCJ Number
142183
Date Published
1990
Length
145 pages
Annotation
The intent of this handbook is to prepare the expert witness for the intellectual battles that characterize legal war in the courtroom.
Abstract
This book presents the tactics and strategies that are employed in the legal process and advises the expert witness in ways to be effective and to counter the mind games lawyers play. An introductory chapter specifies the dilemmas of the expert witness. Subsequent chapters provide necessary factual and procedural information about the court system, outline what the attorney and the legal system expect of the expert witness, give specific guidance on marketing one's skills as an expert, and offer detailed information on direct and cross- examination. The final chapters focus on emotions and other intangible elements of testimony; present a simulated case; summarize the underlying psychological challenges of litigation; and conclude with a review of some subtle but important aspects of expert witnessing. 3 appendixes