Court Opinion

ID: 9514795
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-06 22:51:43.932464+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:06:20.853913
License: Public Domain

KONENKAMP
(concurring).
[¶ 26.] Daubert’s methodology was intended to create a uniform procedure for addressing expert testimony based on scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge. Hon. Janine M. Kern and Scott R. Swier, Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: “Gatekeeping” or Industry “Safekeeping”? 43 S.D.L.Rev. 566, 576 (1998). See Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharm., Inc., 509 U.S. 579, 113 S.Ct. 2786, 125 L.Ed.2d 469 (1993). Had a proper record been made in this case, Dau-bert’s bifold relevance and reliability process for determining admissibility should have been employed. See SDCL 19-9-7 (Rule 104(a)). A trial court’s gatekeeping function under Daubert is not limited to cases involving novel scientific or technical evidence. Kumho Tire Co., Ltd. v. Carmichael, 526 U.S. 137, 147, 119 S.Ct. 1167, 1174, 143 L.Ed.2d 238 (1999). Unquestionably, Daubert should apply to medical opinions to ensure that a medical expert, “whether basing testimony upon professional studies or personal experience, employs in the courtroom the same level of intellectual rigor that characterizes the practice of an expert in the relevant field.” Black v. Food Lion, Inc., 171 F.3d 308, 311 (5thCir.1999) (quoting Kumho Tire, 526 U.S. at 152, 119 S.Ct. at 1176, 143 L.Ed.2d 238).
[¶ 27.] Not every proffer of expert opinion, however, requires the full Daubert foundation. First, “[i]f theory and instrument are generally accepted, the judge will judicially notice those elements of the foundation upon a proper timely request by counsel.” Edward J. Imwinkelried, Ev-identiary Foundations 116 (4th ed. 1998). Second, in fulfilling its “gatekeeping” role, the trial court may consider one or more of the five specific Daubert factors to decide whether the testimony is reliable. Kumho, 526 U.S. at 151-53, 119 S.Ct. at 1176, 143 L.Ed.2d 238. See also SDCL 19-15-2 (Rule 702) (note the use of the word “may”). A doctor’s experiential opinions should be subjected to some of Daubert’s factors to help evaluate reliability. Kumho Tire, 526 U.S. at 149, 119 S.Ct. at 1175, 143 L.Ed.2d 238.
[¶ 28.] The test for reliability is flexible — “Daubert’s list of specific factors neither necessarily nor exclusively applies *463to all experts in every case.” Kumho, 526 U.S. at 141, 119 S.Ct. at 1171, 143 L.Ed.2d 238. Courts possess broad latitude in deciding how to determine reliability. When we examine a trial court’s reliability determination as well as its ultimate decision to admit or exclude expert testimony, abuse of discretion remains our standard of review. General Elec. Co. v. Joiner, 522 U.S. 136, 144-45, 118 S.Ct. 512, 518, 139 L.Ed.2d 508 (1997).