Panel Session on Extracting Testimony from the Human Factors Expert Witness

Abstract

The purpose of this panel is to focus on concepts and procedures used by the human factors expert witness in providing evaluative and court-related services in product liability and similar legal actions. The role of the human factors expert witness during trial and specifically during the taking of trial testimony will be presented with analysis and discussion to demonstrate direct examination of qualifications or voir dire, presentation of scientific foundations, opinions and conclusions. This panel has been planned as part of an annual meeting series to answer expressed member needs for information on legal procedures, the experience and techniques of other experts, training on tactics and strategy for participation in the adversarial legal system, and ethics/standards regarding giving testimony (Forensics Professional Technical Group Survey, 1987). There will be a legal/human factors approach with a witness-attorney demonstration of direct testimony to promote an understanding of the special role of the human factors expert witness in providing competent, ethical and understandable testimony to assist the trier of fact in litigation. An important goal is to provide participants in the panel session with some basic knowledge for appropriate conduct during the process of trial direct examination.