Expert Witnesses

Most people outside of the legal system have never heard of expert witnesses, a critical part of the legal system. Unlike regular witnesses, who can testify about what they observed, or heard, experts can offer opinions. Experts are used to explain a variety of complex and scientific issues, from DNA, to complex business practices, to whether someone has been sexually abused. Experts can be hired by either side in a case, in many cases both sides use experts. They do not come cheap, if you think lawyers are expensive wait until you see the prices charged by the well known experts.

Experts generally play a positive role, they make complex issues easier to understand for judges, and juries. But, there are also risks, and downsides. Some experts become essentially hired guns, always recommending in favor of one side, i.e. always for the defense, prosecution, insurance company, etc. Cost is also an issue, parties with limited means have a hard time affording them.

Stay tuned for future posts on some of the problems with the expert witness system.