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Law 101: Legal Guide for the Forensic Expert

Countering Claims of "Junk Science"

  1.  Be a knowledgeable professional.
  2.  Be meticulous in detail.
  3.  Be active in the field as well as being an expert witness.
  4.  Have an opposing expert recognize you as an expert.
  5.  Show that you have testified to the same effect previously.
  6.  Show that your findings are consistent with studies by others.
  7.  Show that your findings seldom lead to erroneous results.
  8.  Prove that the new methods are positively related to prior methods.
  9.  Identify literature that establishes your approach.
  10.  Show prior admission of these same tests in other cases.
  11.  Relate your tests to the same type of tests by the opposition.
  12.  Show government approval of your methodology.
  13.  Establish the scientific community's reliance on these same tests.

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