Chapter 9 : Reports and Affidavits

Abstract:

This chapter talks about reports given to the client-attorney, which may be oral or written. Since 1993, written reports have been required in federal courts but not in all state courts. In some cases the written report may be supplied to the jury. In many cases an expert’s testimony in court may be limited to the supporting evidence, e.g., published articles, cited in his report. In almost every case the client-attorney will request the individual to e-mail a draft of the report before “putting pen to paper”. The client-attorney may ask an expert witness to submit a brief statement to the court of his understanding of the case and what his testimony will be. Such a brief statement is known as an affidavit and is a written declaration made under oath before a notary public or other authorized officer. Affidavits are usually sent to the court together with motions and other pleadings. An affidavit may actually be a mini report, but it differs from a report in that it is a statement under oath.