Cross-Examination
Impeaching the Expert

There are three general approaches to discredit an expert witness on cross-examination:

1. Discredit the expert

• Credentials
• Experience
• Specialization as related to case
• Fees
• Testifying history is biased
• Inconsistencies in testimony, report, deposition

2. Discredit the foundation of an opinion

• Sources are not reputable or unreliable
• Sources not applied correctly in case
• Sources not sufficient
• Methodology unreliable, insufficient, or inappropriately applied

3. Discredit the conclusion

• Acknowledge alternative opinions

- 3/30/2006 -

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Copyright © 2006 Raymond S. Kulzick - Last modified: September 13, 2008