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 compl

This book explains every aspect of what an engineering expert witness is and does, who can qualify, how to find clients, how to charge for services, and much more. Extensive information is provided on conducting investigations, court procedure, and preparing and delivering convincing testimony.

Engineers may become involved in litigation for various reasons. Some common examples include product liability and accident investigation cases. The information and suggestions included in An Engineer in the Courtroom will enable engineers to do a proper and professional job when dealing with matters of litigation, in and out of the courtroom. Chapters Cover: Introduction The Nature of Accidents Why Go to Court? Avoiding Litigation The Litigation Process Engineers and Engineering Information How the Engineer Can Help the Attorney The Discovery Process The Deposition The Trial Questions Accident Reconstruction Definitions and Techniques Employed by Attorneys War Stories Tips for the Engineer Involved in Litigation An interesting, informative, "must-read" book for engineers involved in product design, consulting, or accident investigation, and an ideal reference for lawyers to have on hand to give to engineers serving as expert witnesses.

Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Water Resources Monograph Series, Volume 8. The gavel goes down, the witness is called and sworn in: "Will you tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?" Every court day scientists and engineers take this oath, yet few know the duties of an expert witness and fewer still know the procedures in a lawsuit. Unprepared for the courtroom, they watch a drama unfold without benefit of the plot (Ball, 1975). Courtrooms swirl with costume and ceremony. Jury, judge, and spectators assume roles: audience, director, trier of the facts. And the lawyers! Lawyers are the key dramatis personae. Protagonist and antagonist confront one another as lawyers argue their clients cases in the courtroom. They object endlessly. They cross-examine opposing witnesses mercilessly. They speak an opaque jargon of "laches," "remittitur" and "stare decisis." They speak Latin: "ab initio," "in pari causa," "lex loci actus." They speak old French: "estoppel," "fee simple," "voire dire." And they speak law-speak: "abuse of discretion," "clearly erroneous," "malice aforethought" (Mellinkoff, 1963). They call contrary versions of the same story true. They plead for understanding and compassion. They mix independent variables called "facts" and a dependent variable called "law" into an argumentative gruel for court consumption. Then it's over, and the judge delivers his or her opinion. One lawyer calls it the decision of the decade, a magnificent example of benign, reasoned law. The other darkly threatens to appeal all the way to the Supreme Court, if necessary, to relieve an onerous and oppressive injustice. All of this is fascinating theatre, but to the unprepared scientist or engineer, the drama has none of the charm and all of the clarity of a Japanese "Noh" play.