The Expert Witness: A Manual for Experts [Paperback]

Robert J. Crawford (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: 1st Book Library (February 20, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0759609969
• ISBN-13: 978-0759609969
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,393,886 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Exactly What Does An Expert Witness Do?", October 25, 2008

By 

Russell A. Rohde MD "Owl" (West Covina, California USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Expert Witness: A Manual for Experts (Paperback)

"The Expert Witness: A Manual For Experts" Robert J. Crawford, 1st Books Library, U.S.A., 1998 & 2001. ISBN 0-75960-996-9, SC 180 pgs. Glossary 21 pgs., 9 "x 6".


This book begins with a 1 page Preface and 9 page Introduction on why this book was written and the source of its contents.

Author Crawford has practiced civil and structural engineering and working on building designs for 40 years; and, he serves as expert witness in litigations in the construction industry for 25 years. From that experience he gleaned a wealth of information he then set forth in print to compile "The Expert Witness", an easy to read compendium he thoughtfully divided into 10 chapters which covers the A to Z of establishing a remuneratively rewarding side business productively with Attorneys for litigation.

Crawford covers relationship of Expert Witness to their clients, Attorneys; the scope of assignments; dress codes and conduct; and preparation of reports whether for Mediation, Arbitration (binding & non-binding) or Court Trials (Judiciary or Jury) - giving emphasis on accuracy and completeness by visiting the site scene; using photo-documentation; a concise writing style; and avoidance of unneeded "technical" jargon; and, importantly, reviewing their reports thoroughly and in timely fashion with their Attorney-Clients prior to settlement. The author's stereotyping of practicing attorneys behavior is both humorous as well as informative. Fee schedules, distinctions between Expert and Percipient Witnesses, and an outlining of a Trial Court Proceeding are discussed.

The author concludes with a helpful glossary of legal terminologies, mostly Latin phraseologies. This manual has just enough repetition/duplicity in narration as to be helpful reiteration without being rambling or effusive. The book is well written and forms the basis for its popularity in teaching institutions.

finis

5.0 out of 5 stars The Expert Witness: A Manual for Experts, July 24, 2010

By 

Kevin R, MA - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Expert Witness: A Manual for Experts (Paperback)

I needed to learn about this type of work before I decided to pursue it. This book really gave me good sense of this work and convinced me that I would do well in it and enjoy it. I learned a lot. I highly recommend it to anyone considering this field.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Oriented toward engineering expert witnesses, June 14, 2009

By 

Jhs "user186355998" (USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Expert Witness: A Manual for Experts (Paperback)

Based on another review that was glowing, I bought this book, only to discover its content applies mostly to engineering experts. And written in a utilitarian language style an engineer might love.

Chapter 3 is titled "The" Investigation, describing helpful items for "the" expert witness:

4 Cameras (2 35-mm, one digital, one Polaroid), 3 flashlights, 2 ladders, and a Partridge in a pear tree. (Oops, forget about the partridge). The itemized listing includes: 16 ounce claw hammer, 4-foot wrecking bar, 1-foot wrecking bar, cats paw nail puller, 16 pound sledgehammer, 2 pound sledgehammer, and on and on.

Now I can see the benefit of bringing the 16-pound sledgehammer to a deposition, but strangely this advice is missing from the book.

The writing style strikes me as "wordy", using a lot of ink and not saying much. For example, on page 88, he advises to "keep your cool". He uses more words to convey this concept: "The expert witness must be able to make his points during the questioning process as outlined with his attorney in the predeposition meeting. To do this, he must follow the game plan and make his points as the opportunities arise. He should also maintain his composure even when under attack by the opposing attorney."

On page 91, he recommends being prepared (duh), saying, "Upon timely arrival at the designated place and date of the deposition, you should be well prepared both physically and mentally for the questioning period to follow."

I looked in vain for advice on what to do if my arrival wasn't timely, or if I arrived at the designated place but not the designated date. Didn't see anything about other questioning periods aside from the one to follow, either.

There is some potentially dangerous advice, too. On page 105 is the recommendation about "the" expert's file. This file is described, misleadingly in my opinion, as representing "the expert in the form of written documents. It is the basis of his involvement representing his investigation, findings, opinions, and recommendations in the case."

Potentially ship sinking is this advice: "It is, therefore, vitally important to see that it is complete, containing all information from the investigation leading to his final conclusions, as contained in the report."

A big problem here is the book also recommends bringing the entire file to a deposition, where its contents are subject to discovery and early, tentative conclusions no longer relevant may damage an expert's credibility.

In contrast, another book gives some vital advice about one's file.

To a deposition, "Take only what has been requested and supports your opinion." ... "Anything in your file is discoverable. Show the file to your client-attorney in the meeting prior to the deposition. He or she will want to filter out all non-discoverable (privileged) information. The opposing attorney may ask the stenographer to photocopy the entire file and attach it to the deposition."

"Before the deposition, go through your voluminous notes and reduce them. Throw out all your early notes, questions, wrong ideas, and early 'conclusions.' You want a smaller, more up to date file that can be reviewed quickly. Do not *sanitize* your files, *update* them."

Which advice seems better to you?