Expert Testimony : A Guide for Expert Witnesses and the Lawyers Who Examine Them

Attorneys, order two copies of this book: one for yourself and one for your expert witness. It will give experts the confidence they need to be comfortable in court, and it will give you the skills necessary to emphasize the credibility of your experts. You can avoid pitfalls such as unintentional signals, inappropriate demeanor and appearance, and awkward body language by using Expert Testimony as your guide. With the addition of Elizabeth Boals as a coauthor, the second edition expands and amplifies the original book with

-New guidance for experts and lawyers on the development and presentation of expert testimony in the digital age, including discussion of visual aids and electronic discovery
-Updated analysis of the Federal Rules of Evidence and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
-Updated discussion of the ethical rules governing expert retention and testimony
-Additional examples of expert witness examinations and detailed discussion of techniques for coping with lawyer questioning
-Additional checklists for quick reference

The collaborative effort of Professor Lubet and Professor Boals has resulted in a second edition that is worthwhile to both the expert witnesses and the lawyers who examine them.

"Lubet achieves three objectives in this book. First, he seamlessly integrates legal standards affecting expert witnesses into the general text. Second, he translates psychological principles relating to witness credibility and testimony in discussions more accessible and meaningful than in any writings I have seen by psychologists. Third, he writes with a remarkable clarity that should be the envy of other authors of professional books." -- Stanley L. Brodsky, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, The University of Alabama

"Lubet is a master at leading one through complex material.... He provides clear information about testifying, and he bolsters the information with good examples." -- Trial

"Lubet's is indeed the thinking person's approach to witness examination and testimony, a framework for the conscientious prosecutor to evaluate what he or she is asking and how well the questions, whether on direct or cross exam, will aid in the task of persuasion.... Expert Testimony can help witnesses, be they forensic pathologists, DNA specialists, psychologists or police officers, communicate more effectively and it can help prosecutors re-think the way they prepare and examine their experts." -- The Prosecutor, a publication of the National District Attorneys Association

"My prediction? Expert Testimony will become the Bible for all experts--be they neophytes or seasoned--who truly want to be understood and trusted by our modern jurors. Indeed, experts (and lawyers) will benefit greatly from Professor Lubet's concise yet thorough and accurate portrayal of exactly what jurors, lawyers, and judges expect from experts and what experts can expect from the time of retention to when he or she walks off the witness stand." -- Thomas A. Demetrio, attorney and partner with the law firm of Corboy & Demetrio

"These chapters are written in easy to understand English, with minimal jargon, except in situations where it is necessary. The reader should not be intimidated by the use of such terms. Indeed, if one is to become comfortable working as an expert, one needs to become familiar with terms which are an inherent part of the legal environment.... As a whole, this book makes a fine contribution....with its emphasis on the processes and procedures involved in serving as an expert witness." -- Journal of Forensic Neuropsychology

"This concise, well-organized book covers witness credibility, preparation, direct and cross-examination, depositions, discovery and ethics. Lubet's chapters on cross-examination and deposition testimony are especially helpful in preparing an expert to withstand an assault by the other side's lawyer." --Lawyers Weekly USA