Effective Expert Witnessing: Practices for the 21st Century

by Jack V. Matson, Jack V. Matson

The testimony of an expert witness can lead to success or failure in cases that hinge on the presentation’s impact on a jury. Effective Expert Witnessing, Fifth Practices for the 21st Century explores the fundamentals of litigation, trial preparation, courtroom presentation, and the business of expert witnessing. Extensively updated to reflect new developments since the last edition, it provides practical advice enabling expert witnesses and attorneys to maximize the effectiveness of their expert testimony. The Fifth Edition includes three new chapters. The first uses a hypothetical case study to explore expert witness immunity and issues related to professional malpractice and civil liability. In a chapter on psychology and the art of expert persuasion, noted social psychologist and witness preparation specialist Ann T. Greeley reveals the psychology of juries, discusses what makes an expert effective, and provides tips for conveying effective testimony through verbal and nonverbal behavior and graphics and technology. The final chapter surveys nine of the worst mistakes an expert can make and provides tips on how to avoid them. The book and supplemental downloadable resources provide robust strategies ensuring that expert witnesses have the best possible advantage in presenting testimony that is credible, persuasive, and compelling.

204 pages, Hardcover

First published January 31, 1990

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author uses “I” way too much to be used as a textbook.

[Ashleigh Wojslawowicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read, some good points and considerations for those who become involved with the legal system.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

2nd read. Just about as thrilling as the first read in 2023 🫠😴