Technical Experts – Part 3
As if you did not have enough to do during trial, you will need to prepared each expert who was expected to testify at trial by putting each through several sessions of mock direct and cross-examination. There is an old adage to the effect that the experienced lawyer has never had his own expert testify against him; this is where you find that out. By placing each expert under the mock direct and cross examination, you can determine whether that expert should testify. If not, that expert may be used as a resource for developing other evidence as well as a tremendous resource in preparing for the cross examination of the Government’s expert. Typically, the trial will narrow the issues in such a manner that you may not need to offer all of the expert testimony that you originally planned on presenting. Remember, the use of demonstrative evidence with an expert can be compelling. Good trial aids will allow the experts to effectively rendered their opinion and graphically demonstrated their points for the jury.
More later.
As always, feel free to call me or e-mail me with any questions at walter.james@jamespllc.com.
WDJiii