As scientists and engineers, we are used to technical problems and challenges, but when it comes to legal issues, we are likely not as familiar with those. At times I have been asked to be an expert witness for a legal case where my technical knowledge and experience are useful to lawyers in explaining their side of a case. Expert witnesses are often useful to lawyers and the court to explain complex issues of a technical and/or scientific nature. An expert witness can present an expert report to the court and/or offer expert testimony. Both sides of a case often have expert witnesses to help them present their side of a case and help lawyers understand the scientific part of a case. Usually lawyers, and often the court, do not have specialized skills and knowledge in the pharmaceutical field, so an expert witness is called upon to both educate and offer an opinion based upon years of training and experience.
September 5, 2024