Expert Witnesses

The American court system is making increasing use of sociologists as expert witnesses. From toxic torts to religious cults and brainwashing, sociological knowledge is becoming increasingly more commonplace in the legal arena. This edited volume is a collection of the experiences of sociologists who have appeared as expert witnesses in a variety of court cases. Many of the cases covered in this book revolve around central issues of murder, self-defense, religious cults, battered women, child pornography, environmentalism, and homelessness. This volume is unique in its breadth of topics and contributions.

Since the publication of the bestselling third edition, not only have changes occurred on how the Daubert decision has been applied, but the more recent Kumho ruling applies serious scrutiny to all professionals who claim to have expert opinions. In response, the fourth edition incorporates much more information on how to survive legal challenges to one's expert testimony. Because buyers of previous editions span every profession, this edition includes case studies and examples from many disciplines within and outside of the sciences. It features seven new chapters, including Winning Deposition Strategies with Respect to Daubert and Kumho and How to Take Advantage of High Technology in the Courtroom.