Enhancing the Role of the Scientific Expert Witness Gilbert S. Omenn School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
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. Key words: Daubert v. Merrell Dow, environmental health, expert witness, litigation. Environ Health Perspect 102:674-675 (1994) . Address correspondence to G.S. Omenn, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, SC-30, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA. The full version of this article is available for free in HTML format. |