Over the years, I have testified in 35 different court cases at the federal or state level, throughout the country in the field of firearms and ammunition.
The court generally qualifies you as an "expert witness" in a given field or specialty. Personally, I never liked the term. I always felt (and still do) that a true expert does not know everything. A true expert knows where to go to get the correct answer.
Each court is different, as is the judge presiding over the case. Some judges will instruct the jury that even though you are testifying as an "expert witness," he or she is merely offering an opinion.
I have personally witnessed well respected "firearms experts" testify incorrectly in open court. Some even acknowledge that they were wrong during rebuttal. I never wanted to be that person. I always did my research, checked various sources (not just one), and used original factory data if at all possible.
Someone's freedom is on the line here , and you had better be right. The defendant may very well be a real bad guy, but he deserves a fair and honest trial. That's the way I always approach it anyway.
A little off-track to the subject matter, but Craig mentioned what is an "expert" so I chimed in.
