Metadata (the electronically stored data in digital photographs and recordings) has become an increasingly important source of information for attorneys. Expert witnesses who understand metadata are frequently called upon to explain the hidden properties of digital data to courts and administrative agencies. An administrative appeal in New Jersey addressed metadata (or its absence) in audio […]

A pediatric forensic pathologist has testified that weak bones was a likely cause of death in the case of a man who is accused of killing his 6-week-old son. The Death On December 18, 2016, the El Dorado County sheriff’s department responded to a call requesting medical aid for an infant.  A six-week-old Samuel Swope […]

The extent to which an expert witness’ controversial beliefs may be used to impeach the expert, when the beliefs are unrelated to the expert’s testimony, was spotlighted in a ProPublica report concerning Dr. David Ayoub. Dr. Ayoub is a radiologist who often testifies as an expert in child abuse cases. Credibility Attacked Dr. Ayoub’s credibility […]

A judge has approved a forensic consultant as an expert witness in the case of a Wisconsin man that is accused of killing his wife in 1982. The Crime On April 28, 1982, the body of 33-year-old Barbara Mendez was found at the Park City Credit Union where she worked. Barbara’s body was found bludgeoned […]

Nancy Little sued The Budd Company in a Kansas federal court, alleging that Budd manufactured and sold railroad cars that caused her father’s mesothelioma. Little’s father worked for a railroad. For many years, he was exposed to pipe insulation that contained asbestos. The Budd Company moved to exclude the testimony of two expert witnesses. Dr. […]

A murder defendant’s case was damaged by the testimony of his own expert witness. The Crime On November 16, 2015, Edith “Edie” Black-Scherer was found on the floor with a pillow wedged between the bedframe and her face.  Black-Scherer is believed to have been killed by the ligature made with the drawstring of her sweatshirt, […]

Robert Morris sued Consolidated Rail Corporation for exposing him to vinyl chloride, a toxic chemical. Morris suffered no long-term physical harm, but sued for expenses he alleged he would incur to monitor his medical condition and for emotional distress. The emotional distress claim was based on his fear that the exposure would cause cancer later […]