Some breast implant manufacturers are objecting to this approach and are concerned that juries might give too much weight to a court-appointed expert witness. Their worries may be unfounded, according to a National Science Foundation study. Lead researcher and Princeton University psychologist Joel Cooper, PhD, found that court-appointed experts are not necessarily any more convincing than experts hired by an attorney. Pointer is not interested in swaying the jury, he just wants to see higher quality medical information in the courtroom. In an October 24 meeting of his science panel, Pointer said that he sees a benefit in having court-appointed witnesses available to advise the court and provide explanations of how different scientists can look at the same data and reach opposite conclusions.
Many professional associations encourage their members to serve as expert witnesses.
Boston attorney Lee Dunn conducts training sessions each year at the American College of Physicians annual session. The American Medical Association markets a videotape to help physicians prepare for the task. A growing number of physicians are exhibiting a willingness to step into the courtroom. Lawyers can consult the classified advertisements of any of a number of legal publications or search one of several expert-witness directories on the Internet. For example, each month the ABA Journal contains dozens of advertisements from physicians who want to consult with lawyers, review alleged malpractice suits, and appear in court.