Chemists Can Expect Both Rewards, Challenges as Experts in Legal Cases: Symposium examines role of chemists as expert witnesses in civil patent litigation, product liability cases, and criminal illegal drug abuse trials

An increase in legal cases involving science and technology has resulted in an accompanying demand for scientists to explain these complex issues to judges and juries in clear terms. For many cases, particularly disputes over patents and those involving hazardous materials, chemists are the expert witnesses that attorneys are looking for. The role of the chemist as an expert witness was examined in detail at a symposium sponsored by the Division of Chemistry & the Law. Speakers covered the role of chemist in civil patent litigation and product liability cases, and criminal illegal drug abuse trials. Much of the discussion, however, focused on what makes a good expert witness and how an attorney decides on and works with the chemist on a case. Chairing the panel and presenting an overview of the expert witness issue was Michael D. Kaminski, of the Washington, D.C., law firm Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner. "Technology ...