The ASFE website has an interesting article on the ethics involved in expert witness testimony. They have been at the forefront of that arena since the publication of Recommended Practices for Design Professionals Engaged in the Resolution of Construction Industry Disputes, a document endorsed by 37 major organizations. The most interesting part in my mind was how they point out the role of an expert witness is to provide an opinion as to whether the standard of care was followed or not. According to ASFE, many expert witnesses do not do the necessary research to determine what the standard of care is. More...

Another interesting aspect of this article is the discussion of similar problems faced by the medical community and one way that physicians have tried to address the problem of frivolous lawsuits and dishonest expert witnesses. There is an organization called "Medical Justice" that helps physicians fight claims against them, particularly by examining expert witness testimony. Read more about this interesting approach and consider leaving a comment here on whether or not you think this type of system would work for the construction/engineering industry and wether it is even needed or not. 

Related Items:

• ASFE Inaugurates New President
• City of Vancouver sues over failed shoring
• Lawsuit could prohibit geologists from making maps

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment