The role of the expert witness.
The role of expert witnesses in medical malpractice litigation is often misunderstood. Much maligned, the expert has been the subject of castigation by a range of people, from his professional colleagues to the jurists who preside over his testimony. From an academic perspective, the expert witness is a necessary evil, and his denigration is his own doing; for the expert is a neutral character who creates his own professional persona. This purpose of this article is to serve as a primer for those interested in understanding the role that the expert is supposed to play in litigation, and the factors surrounding his activities.
Jerrold
Laurance
L
School of Orthodontics, Jacksonville University, 2800 University Boulevard North, Jacksonville, FL 32211, USA. ljerrol@ju.edusyn
D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000592:standards; D005607:Fraud; D006801:Humans; D033222:Judicial Role; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D033262:Narration; D010819:Physician's Role; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D014481:United States