f The Scientist As An Expert Witness

The work environment of a scientist is characterized by orderliness and control. A scientist is<br>trained to think reflectively and in logical sequences; his or her success as a professional is<br>measured by the rigor with which he or she follows methodological processes to gather and<br>evaluate data. But how well do these skills translate to other, less well controlled, work<br>environments where the scientist may be called upon to provide technical expertise?<br>One such environment is the courtroom, where a scientist may be called upon to assist the court,<br>counsel and fact-finder by way of expert testimony or other assistance. In this instance, a scientist<br>is faced with a work environment characterized by seemingly random events, which follow a<br>course of Byzantine rules and procedures which defy common sense. Witness questioning does<br>not allow the luxury of thoughtful consideration, but demands immediate responses and facilitates<br>spontaneous dialogs. And while science is an objective assessment of data, a trial is an adversary<br>proceeding, where each side is motivated by subjective considerations. not necessarily in a<br>collegial fashion.