SCIENTISTS IN THE COURTROOM - BASIC POINTERS FOR THE EXPERT SCIENTIFIC WITNESS

The need for expert and unbiased participation in legal proceedings by physicians, industrial hygienists, toxicologists, environmental scien tists, regulators, and similar professionals is hampered by lack of fa miliarity with the requirements of expert testimony and lack of opport unities for professional training in this activity. Drawing on materia l developed in a continuing education course offered by the University of Washington, we describe the role and process of being an expert wi tness and provide basic information regarding good professional practi ces pertaining to the testifying expert role.