The Forensic Engineer On Cross-Examination

Abstract

For even the most experienced forensic engineer, the prospect of a rigorous cross-examination by a skilled advocate is not a wholly pleasant idea. Yet, it may come as a surprise to learn that the attorney likely feels much the same way. Without question, a confrontation of skilled attorney with skilled engineer often has the potential for some fireworks. And as with real fireworks, one of the two protagonists could get burned. From the attorneys standpoint, there certainly is no assurance that a given question will produce the desired or expected answer. The attorney is often wading blindfolded into a field about which he knows very little. His learned and articulate opponent could drop a bomb on his case at any moment. And down the drain goes months of hard work. From the engineers standpoint, he or she may be sent against a tiger devoted to discrediting the engineer and demonstrating the fallacy of the opinion rendered. Unlike the engineering office, there is no need for