Lawyers Get to Choose Their Expert Witnesses

Photo of author

(Newswire.net — July 3, 2019) — If you ever wonder why expert witnesses are so important, you can understand once you know the difference between them and fact witnesses. Fact witnesses just happen to be at the place at that time. However, things are different for expert witnesses.

As long as they stick within the relevant evidentiary standards, lawyers get to choose their expert witnesses. They are chosen and required for a case for their experience and qualification in discussing some important issues. They should also preferably be someone with strong communication skills and have the right demeanor to speak in court.

While an expert witness’s importance in a case may not be relevant or visible at first glance, they do play an important role, which is why the right expert should be chosen and used for a case.

Perfect intermediaries

Expert witnesses who take the stand have specialized knowledge to independently making evaluations. This is how they bring a sense of objectivity and consideration to any court proceeding.

No matter how many eyewitnesses there are, it’s only an expert witness who can present vital information about background information, implement scientific principles and build some contextual understanding for the jurors.

Jurors realize that the expert doesn’t speak only on a personal perspective but based on reality and facts. They accordingly explain the meaning or implication for their opinion with the relevant matter.

The points expert witnesses provide are often worth emphasizing on during a cross-examination. The witness builds a connection between the opinion and various general principles about whatever had happened. This often leads to strong, persuasive testimonies with some objective reality.

Not necessarily experts

Expert witnesses are ironically not always experts, who make a living on a particular topic. It’s not even required by law that they be experts in their relevant subjects, which is a benefit to attorneys.

Some points the lawyer needs clarification on may be so narrow and fact-specific that there’s no one who actually makes a living through it. This is where people with some expert relevant knowledge or experience in the same niche topic can provide important clues and opinions in a case.

Help with evaluations

Last, but not least, experts have the ability and competence to evaluate vital facts. Their training and education in a particular specialty let them interpret facts using various methods.

This helps them develop a better analysis to base their testimony on. It’s always an expert with strong public speaking skills who’s better because they can give a stronger and better testimony at court.

So you see, expert witnesses are important for most cases. If you need an expert witness on any maritime risk intelligence related case, then click here for more information and leads.