Appointment

The court may, on its own motion or on the motion of any party, enter an order to show cause why expert witnesses should not be appointed and may request the parties to submit nominations. The court may appoint any expert witnesses agreed upon by the parties and may appoint witnesses of its own selection.

An expert witness shall not be appointed by the court unless the witness consents to act. A witness so appointed shall be informed of the witness's duties by the court and in writing — a copy of which shall be filed with the clerk or at a conference in which the parties shall have the opportunity to participate.

A witness so appointed shall advise the parties of the witness's findings, if any; the witness's deposition may be taken by any party; and the witness may be called to testify by the court or any party. The witness shall be subject to cross-examination by each party, including a party calling the witness. [FRE 706(a)]

Compensation

Expert witnesses appointed by the court are entitled to reasonable compensation. The compensation thus fixed is payable from funds which may be provided by law in criminal cases. [FRE 706(b)]

Disclosure of Appointment

In the exercise of its discretion, the court may authorize disclosure to the jury of the fact that the court appointed the expert witness [FRE 706(c)].

Parties' Experts of Own Selection

Nothing in this rule limits the parties in calling expert witnesses of their own selection. [FRE 706(d)]

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