The sequestration of expert witnesses falls under Alaska’s Rules of Evidence, Rule 615. ALASKA STAT. ANN. § 6-615 (West 2017). This rule allows the court to exclude a witness from the courtroom as to not hear testimony of other witnesses when requested by a party or through an order of its own. Id. The rule has four exceptions and experts fall under the third exception. Id. The third exception is for “a person whose presence is shown by a party to be important to the presentation of the party’s cause.” Id. The trial judge is given the discretion to ultimately determine if an expert witness is essential enough to fall within the third exception. Schroff v. State, 627 P.2d 653 (Alaska Ct. App. 1981).
Call us today! 508-457-1111
