Forensic experts often get into trouble when listing their writings and publications on their CVs. Care should be taken to be completely accurate in all claims. Was the expert the “author,” a “co-author,” or one of fourteen contributors to an article, chapter, or book? The differences may at first seem subtle and perhaps even insignificant. Upon cross-examination, however, the forensic expert who exaggerates about his publications can be at risk.
Example: Result of exaggeration on CV
Q. So, when you testified that you authored six books on warning labels, you actually meant to say you contributed to these books. Would that be more accurate and less misleading to the jury?
Excerpted from the A-Z Guide to Expert Witnessing
