Engineering Testimony before Official Bodies

This paper discusses the requirements for the effective presentation of testimony on engineering subjects. The most important qualifications of a witness on technical matters are: (1) The ability to present technical facts in lay language such that persons without technical training and unfamiliar with the technical terms of the profession are able to grasp the significance of his evidence. (2) The ability to support every important statement of opinion by an appropriate analogy or citation of recognized authority. (3) The ability to qualify himself as an expert by a statement of experience bearing directly on the points to which he testifies. (4) The ability to present his evidence without too much reliance on counsel for guidance. (5) The ability to testify fearlessly to the truth regardless of how it may affect the outcome of the case or the interests of those who employ him.