This chapter describes the evolution of the expert witness in litigation. Unlike almost a century ago, when psychology was still young and the concept of expert witness was yet to be distilled by the courts, the social and behavioral sciences are not merely ready for the courts, they are also indispensable in helping the courts decide questions. The remaining questions for the potential expert are whether he or she is qualified in an area and whether the expert and attorney are able to articulate the legal questions with the psychological answers. The chapter notes that we should be careful in answering these questions so that we are not purveyors of "junk science," but rather that we can bring data and evidence to court that serves justice and therefore betters society.
Samenvatting