Testimony

By James J. Mangraviti, Jr., Esq. Superior performance by an expert witness during cross examination requires employing techniques which will help the expert maintain his credibility and, potentially, even strengthen his opinion.  Here are twenty-five suggestions for expert witnesses: 1. Tell the truth. 2. Prepare thoroughly. 3. Prevent—don’t give counsel ammunition. 4. Be yourself, unless you’re a jerk. 5. Actively [...]

By James J. Mangraviti, Jr., Esq. Jurors are commonly faced with the sometimes daunting task of evaluating complex and often conflicting expert witness testimony. It is important for expert witnesses to understand what jurors want from them.  Expert witnesses who understand the desires, concerns, and fears of jurors can be much more effective at communicating [...]

By James J. Mangraviti, Jr., Esq. Attorneys typically go through a three-step process when they prepare for cross-examination of an adverse expert witnesses. This three-step process includes the following. First, the attorney prepares a detailed investigation of the expert. This could include the following: a careful review of the expert’s CVs, education, writings, and presentations, [...]

How far will some lawyers go when cross-examining an expert witness? Electrical engineer AP Meliopoulos found out the hard way in a Utah case. Dr. Meliopoulos was being cross-examined by Atty. Don Howarth. Judge James Brady described what occurred: 1. Dr. Meliopoulos was an expert witness, called by IPP to testify before this court. 2. During Dr. [...]

Can an expert witness be cross-examined about inconsistencies in his CV in a criminal child abuse case? A Florida court, in the case of KAREEM DANIEL FARRELL, v.  STATE OF FLORIDA, No. 4D13-2589, May 13, 2015 held he should. The court stated: Appellant next called Dr. Lloyd, a biomechanist with the Department of Veterans' Affairs. [...]

Why do attorneys “act out” during the deposition of expert witnesses and coach “their expert?” Because they can. The kind of tactics lawyers are using at deposition include: Objective to almost all of the questions. Interrupting and asking counsel “to be more specific.” Coaching the expert and telling him to “answer if he knows,” etc. [...]

As only 3-5% of civil cases proceed to trial, the expert’s deposition has taken on increased importance. Experts who do not excel during their depositions are unlikely to be successful. Here are 10 steps expert can use to excel during their deposition. Understand what you will and will not be offering opinions on. Be able [...]