What are questions the firearm examiners have to answer?
What credibility issues are present? At the time of the shooting, was anyone, such as a police officer, “in charge”? Is there any evidence of a deliberately self-inflicted wound? Do any powder burn marks on the body indicate the position of the firearm at the time of discharge?
Can you ask an expert witness a hypothetical question?
Two ways to elicit the ultimate opinions of an expert are through hypothetical questions, and having the witness explain the basis for his or her opinion. Unlike with lay witnesses, expert witnesses may answer hypothetical questions, as opposed to questions based solely on their knowledge of the facts of the case.
How do you discredit an expert witness?
A key point to discredit expert witnesses is to attack their qualifications. If the cross-examiner can establish exaggerations in the expert’s qualifications not only will that expert’s credibility quickly fade, but the attorney who called that witness to the stand will likely lose credibility with the jury as well.
How are ballistics tests performed?
Forensic ballistics involves the examination of evidence from firearms that may have been used in a crime. When a bullet is fired from a gun, the gun leaves microscopic marks on the bullet and cartridge case. These marks are like ballistic fingerprints.
How many types of problem are there in forensic ballistics?
TYPES OF PROBLEMS: There are six (6) types of problems in Forensic ballistic, namely: Type 1- Given bullets, to determine the caliber and type of firearm from which it was fired. Type 2- Given a fired cartridge case, to determine the caliber and type of firearm from which it was fired.
Can experts answer hypothetical questions?
Harrington:26 An expert is not precluded from giving his opinion in answer to hypothetical questions because he has personal knowledge of the case and might testify directly, but he may also give his opinion based on hypothetical facts, or upon such facts and facts within his knowledge; to sustain an objection on that …
How do you question an expert witness?
On Direct
- Meet with your expert well before deposition or trial.
- Outline your questions (don’t script them).
- Make the expert’s qualifications interesting.
- Lay the groundwork for the opinion.
- Use demonstrative evidence to illustrate, explain, or prove points.
- Summarize the expert’s opinion at the end of the testimony.
How do you challenge an expert witness?
If you are confronted with an expert who will testify against you, your attorney should first consider filing a Daubert motion. A Daubert motion is a request for a judicial hearing for the purpose of challenging or questioning an anticipated expert witness and his or her intended testimony.