The Nature of Experts and Their Testimony

Forensic textbooks (e.g., Heilbrun, 2001; Melton et al., 1997; Rogers & Shuman, 2000a) often delay the subject of the selection and presentation of expert testimony to the final chapters to serve as a capstone for forensic practice. We have reversed the order to encourage experts and attorneys to consider the “final” product from the development of the case to its ultimate resolution. The chapter briefly explores the nature of experts before a transition to its major focus, their testimony.