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Law 101: Legal Guide for the Forensic Expert

Qualities of an Effective Expert

Key qualities help determine an effective, credible expert witness. The expert must:

  • Be personable, genuine and natural.
  • Demonstrate effective teaching ability.
  • Be competent.
  • Be believable.
  • Be persuasive, not advocative, about factual accuracy.
  • Be prepared.

See General Testifying Tips for more on these key qualities.

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