NCJ Number
165616
Date Published
1997
Length
197 pages
Annotation
This volume explains the need for and role of expert witnesses in child abuse litigation and provides practical, step-by-step instructions for preparing and presenting expert testimony.
Abstract
The text is intended for mental health professionals, health care providers, scientists, investigators, expert witnesses, attorneys, and judges. It defines the reasons for using expert witnesses, the types of expert witnesses used, the role of the expert, and the ethical and professional issues that may arise. Additional sections focus on establishing the qualifications of an expert witness in court, locating the expert witness, and the use of court-appointed experts. Further sections detail what an attorney must do to prepare expert witness testimony, the expert witness's preparation for trial, considerations for the attorney and the expert witness when presenting expert testimony in court, and techniques for dealing with cross-examination. Other chapters focus on issues related to the use of medical and mental health professionals as experts in legal cases and techniques for identifying and cross-examining the irresponsible expert witness. Case examples, illustrations, checklists, chapter reference notes, index, list of cases cited, and 23 references