NCJ Number
84608
Date Published
1981
Length
517 pages
Annotation
Designed to aid attorneys in the accumulation, preparation, and presentation of engineering evidence in trial, the text focuses on determining the type of evidence required, where to obtain evidence, and how to introduce admissible evidence at trial.
Abstract
A detailed discussion addresses the types of experts available to the attorney and methods of locating a consultant. Discovering evidence in a products liability case is described, testing procedures and methods are noted, and a suggested checklist for discovery is included. A chapter on discovering evidence for construction litigation discusses architects, engineers, owners, contractors and material suppliers in terms of theoretical and practical contributions. Codes and standards covering construction, safety, fire, electrical work, plumbing, zoning, and building are provided. Discovering evidence in cases arising out of various kinds of natural disasters, such as floods and earthquakes, is addressed. Road and rail transportation cases are discussed in terms of evidence, State and Federal regulations, and applicable scientific concepts such as dynamic and static forces. Practical aspects of preparing the expert and the evidence for litigation are discussed, with emphasis on examining the expert during trial. Regulations governing safety and material, legal and engineering terminology, a source list of experts, and a glossary are appended. A table of cases, an index, a table of statutes, numerous figures, and 185 footnotes are provided. (Author summary modified)