Journal Published Online: 01 October 1976
Volume 21, Issue 4

The Expert Witness: A Dilemma

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Witnesses in courts of law may generally be divided into “fact” witnesses and expert witnesses. The law relative to fact witnesses for the most part is well defined, but the law relative to expert witnesses differs considerably in the various jurisdictions. An expert witness in litigation is very often a physician by training. Even though most situations involve a physican as the expert witness, the basic questions of law to be explored will concern other professionals who, by the nature of their training, possess special knowledge. Engineers, attorneys, accountants, judges, and psychiatrists are examples. Conceivably, it could be applicable to nonprofessionals who by virtue of experience or occupation possess a specialized knowledge which could serve as the basis for an expert opinion.

Author Information

Byrd, GJ
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex.
Stults, T
, Houston, Tex.
Pages: 5
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS10580J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10580J