title: Enhancing the role of the scientific expert witness.
abstract: There is growing attention to complex scientific questions in legal cases and the need for scientific expert testimony in these cases, including environmental health issues. This commentary addresses some problems common in expert witness work and recommends ways in which the legal system, the scientist, and our educational institutions can enhance the roles of experts. These recommendations may be particularly relevant for training programs in toxicology, epidemiology, and risk assessment.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Omenn
mesh_terms: D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D012586:Science