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Law 101: Legal Guide for the Forensic Expert

Maintaining Credibility

An expert's most valuable asset is the expert's credibility. The expert should never exaggerate qualifications, experience, or any other items on the curriculum vitae. Similarly, all relevant information pertaining to an expert's history should be included in the curriculum vitae. Omitting information can diminish an expert's credibility just as much as exaggerations. Experts should remember that professional qualifications are easily verifiable. A thorough and honest curriculum vitae can be used as a defense against opposing counsel's attacks; conversely, a curriculum vitae with omissions or exaggerations can be used to impeach the expert's credibility.

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