NCJ Number
112768
Editor(s)
P R Anderson,
L T Winfree
Date Published
1987
Length
237 pages
Annotation
This book details the uses and abuses of social science experts, particularly sociologists and criminologists, as expert witnesses and explores ethical and pragmatic concerns raised by their testimony.
Abstract
The historical and philosophical origins of expert witnessing are reviewed, as are debates concerning the appropriate role of such witnesses. Several papers examine the unique demands of expert witnessing. Anecdotal descriptions by eminent social science experts reveal a wide range of opinions; some remain optimistic about the impact of experts while others display a somewhat jaded view. These papers address such pragmatic issues as an attorney's perspective on finding the most appropriate expert, formulating the best questions to ask in court, and terminating a nonworking attorney-expert relationship. The final presentations discuss personal and professional costs of appearing as an expert witness and the relevance of social science experts in court. Bibliography, case index, and subject index. For individual articles, see NCJ 112769-112777. (Publisher abstract modified)