When I teach my Courtroom Testimony for Expert Witnesses course, a topic that frequently arises is how the decision is made as to whether to present an expert as an expert witness…
New “Forensic Talks” episode featuring Jonathan W. Hak, Q.C.
The New Year started with a wide-ranging interview by Eugene Liscio on several topics relating to expert witness testimony, the use of forensic science in the courtroom, digital media, and…
Court Excludes Expert Testimony Not Covered in Expert Report
An expert who has been retained to analyze evidence and draft a report for use in litigation is generally not permitted to give testimony and express opinions beyond the contents…
Yes Virginia – There Really are Limits to Expert Video Narration in Court
One of the contentious aspects of providing expert video-related evidence in court is the extent to which the expert can provide narrative testimony about what is shown in the video….
An Expert for All Seasons? A Study in Expert Overreach
In January 2020, James Wells was sentenced to life imprisonment for the April 2012 murders of two U.S. Coast Guard employees, who were co-workers of Wells on Kodiak Island, Alaska….
Truth on Trial: Forensic Experts and the Pursuit of Justice
Forensic experts often identify themselves in conjunction with the party that has retained their services. They are a “prosecution expert” or a “defense expert” or announce that they serve both…
Interpreting Video Images: Can You “Say What You See”?
In the 2018 Ewan McGregor movie Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh plays a game he calls “Say what you see,” in which he looks out and says what he sees. None…
Practicing Effective Courtroom Testimony Techniques is the Key to Success on the Witness Stand
Strategic practice using effective courtroom testimony techniques will make you a better expert witness. You have valuable information to provide and your ability to fairly and confidently communicate that information…
Use of Force Expert Prohibited from Expressing Opinion on Video Evidence
Jackson v. Catanzariti, 2019 WL 2098991 (U. S. District Court, S.D. Georgia), is a case wherein former prison inmates sued correctional officers for violating their constitutional right to be free…
What Should an Expert do with Information Received that is Contrary to the Proffered Opinion?
Experts rarely work in epistemic silos, out of touch with other experts. Indeed, it is a hallmark of expert evidence that experts are allowed to rely upon and state hearsay evidence…
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