Articles Posted in Researching Experts

On his website, Consultox.com, forensic toxicology expert witness Dr. Roger A Parent writes on generic drugs:

Acceptable limits of impurities may be specified in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and may be considered in the qualification of an impurity. If the impurity does not appear in the USP monographs, you may qualify it by comparison with the observed amount of that impurity as found in the reference listed drug product (RLD). As an alternative, the impurity may be qualified by justification in the scientific literature, metabolite data, or with toxicity studies. An impurity is considered qualified when it meets one or more of the following conditions.

* The observed level and proposed acceptance criterion for the impurity do not exceed the level observed in the referenced listed drug product.

Genetic engineering expert witnesses may write reports on genetic testing, biochemical engineering, and more. Here, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations writes on genetically modified organisms:

While there is little controversy about many aspects of biotechnology and its application, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have become the target of a very intensive and, at times, emotionally charged debate. FAO recognizes that genetic engineering has the potential to help increase production and productivity in agriculture, forestry and fisheries. It could lead to higher yields on marginal lands in countries that today cannot grow enough food to feed their people. There are already examples where genetic engineering is helping to reduce the transmission of human and animal diseases through new vaccines. Rice has been genetically engineered to contain pro-vitamin A (beta carotene) and iron, which could improve the health of many low-income communities.

Other biotechnological methods have led to organisms that improve food quality and consistency, or that clean up oil spills and heavy metals in fragile ecosystems. Tissue culture has produced plants that are increasing crop yields by providing farmers with healthier planting material. Marker-assisted selection and DNA fingerprinting allow a faster and much more targeted development of improved genotypes for all living species. They also provide new research methods which can assist in the conservation and characterization of biodiversity. The new techniques will enable scientists to recognize and target quantitative trait loci and thus increase the efficiency of breeding for some traditionally intractable agronomic problems such as drought resistance and improved root systems.

In Identifying the Source of a Power Surge, forensic engineering expert witness Mamoon Alyah, P.E., answers the question “Is it possible to differentiate between lightning related surges and artificially generated electrical surges?”

A power surge is a condition where there are voltage variations from normal levels (110 Volts for a single phase system). These variations can be caused naturally by events such as lightning or artificially by many different events, ranging from simple power interruptions to significantly more complex events such as harmonics on the power line. Both sources of surge can cause similar types of damage to equipment including: premature failure of motors, computer and communication equipment mis-operation (lockups), loss of equipment following a thunderstorm and other symptoms of failure.

There are subtle, but significant differences between the nature of damages caused by the two types of surge (artificially vs. naturally generated). The cause of these differences is related to surge magnitude and the duration of the surge. Magnitude refers to the amount of energy contained in the power surge, while duration refers to the amount of time the power surge was sustained.

Copyrights expert witnesses may opine on copyright infringement, copyright notice, and copyright limitations. On their website, the ABA Section of Intellectual Property Law defines what copyright is:

Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (title 17, U.S. Code) to the authors of “original works of authorship” including literary, dramatic,

musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. This protection is available to both published and unpublished works. Section 106 of the Copyright Act generally gives the owner of copyright the exclusive right to do and to authorize others to do the following:

Biotechnology expert witnesses may write reports on genetic engineering, biochemical engineering, and more. Here, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations describes biotechnology:

There is a wide array of “biotechnologies” with different techniques and applications. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) defines biotechnology as: “any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use”.

Interpreted in this broad sense, the definition of biotechnology covers many of the tools and techniques that are commonplace in agriculture and food production. Interpreted in a narrow sense, which considers only the new DNA techniques, molecular biology and reproductive technological applications, the definition covers a range of different technologies such as gene manipulation and gene transfer, DNA typing and cloning of plants and animals.

Polymers expert witnesses may opine on vinyl chloride polymers, electroactive polymers, functional polymers, and more. Here, the International Cast Polymer Alliance defines cast polymer:

Cast Polymer is the umbrella term used to encompass cultured marble, cultured granite, cultured onyx and solid surface products used in a wide range of household and commercial applications. Some of these applications include: counter tops, lavatories, vanities, shower receptors, bathtubs, enclosure sets, fireplace surrounds, window sills, wall panels, floor tiles, whirlpool baths and molding accents.

Cast polymer products are man-made, chemically–bonded, mineral-filled, polymeric materials which are molded and hardened to a solid material in a variety of shapes that meet diverse design needs. The manufacturing process permits a range of uses almost impossible to achieve with quarried stone. Cast polymer is stronger and less brittle than quarried marble; it is more durable than porcelain. Cast polymer products resist mildew and stains and are easily cleaned with non-abrasive cleaning agents. The one-piece, seamless construction of cast polymer is easy to maintain and resistant to breakage.

Translation expert witnesses may opine on document translation and medical interpreting. Here, the American Translators Association explains that translation is not a commodity and offers standards for buying a non-commodity.

#3 The intended readers.

Are you targeting teenagegamers, genetic researchers, patent agents or simply anyone who might stumble upon your website?

In Public Safety Experts: No Longer “The Retired Cop,” emergency communications and 911 expert witness Charles D. Carter writes:

It has been well-established that an expert witness is someone who the court recognizes as an authority on a specific topic. Every profession has specific criteria for individuals who desire to be considered an expert within that profession. Most professions and criteria for experts in those professions have been established for many years. Some are as old as America.

New technologies have created new professions. Before computers, there wasn’t a need for experts in computer fraud or computer forensics. Specializations within professions have created subspecialties. For example, public safety has been around as long as America. Within the public safety spectrum, two professions initially existed based on what was brought from England – law enforcement and fire service.

In Nondestructive Ink and Paper Examinations, handwriting expert witness Ronald N. Norris writes:

When most people think of ink analysis they, think that it is a destructive examination which means my document is going to be severely damaged or destroyed. That is not completely accurate. There is a way of examining ink entries without damaging the document, and it is usually the only test necessary to resolve the issue of ink differentiation.

The examination process, known as infrared fluorescence, or luminescence, was developed by Mr. H. Gibson for use in the study of tissue samples. Forensic document examiners have used the same technique for nondestructive ink differentiation examinations for many years. Because a technical discussion of the process is beyond the scope of this paper, the reader is referred to an article on the web at http://msp.rmit.edu.au/Article_02/04.html. At the same web site there are links to other articles about the theory and equipment necessary to perform nondestructive ink examinations.

In What are the qualifications to be an expert witness?, David Goodwyne writes:

b) Experience – Obviously the expert witness should be someone with the relevant practical experience in the field which he claims is his scope of expertise. A “forensic expert” who has never been inside a lab is not going to be of much help to you. In contrast, a foresic expert who has 20 years experience working with various governmental investigative bodies would, definitely have more of a presence.

(c) Demeanour – At the end of the day, the expert is trying to convince the judge or jury that their opinion is viable, accurate, and sound. As the judge and jury are all human beings, simple things like demeanour can also sway their mindset. Therefore you may want to avoid a pompous expert, or conversely, one who seems to lack conviction or confidence.