Journal Published Online: 01 July 1979
Volume 24, Issue 3

Jury Preconceptions and Their Effect on Expert Scientific Testimony

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

When the forensic scientist testifies in court, both he and his testimony are usually evaluated by a group of people that has never seen him before and has little or no scientific background. These people, the jury, are exposed to the forensic scientist for only a relatively short time, during which they are privy to a strictly regulated question-and-answer conversation carried on between the scientist and the attorneys in the case. As a result of this exposure, the jurors must answer several important questions: 1. What did the expert say? 2. What is the significance of the expert's testimony? 3. Is the expert competent? 4. Is the expert honest?

Author Information

Tanton, RL
Palm Beach Sheriff's Crime Lab, West Palm Beach, Fla.
Pages: 11
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: JFS10888J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10888J