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Emerging Role of the Forensic Engineer

NCJ Number
107543
Journal
Transactions on Professional Communication Volume: PC-30 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1987) Pages: 16-18
Author(s)
R Boyell
Date Published
1987
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the need for and the functions of the forensic engineer, who applies recognized principles of engineering toward the resolution of various questions facing lawyers, judges, and juries.
Abstract
A forensic engineer may be a specialist in any branch of engineering. Forensic engineers are needed because legal questions of liability, responsibility, and the administration of justice often involve properties of the physical world. Examples of issues for which forensic engineers can be useful are whether an automobile was traveling too fast for a curve under the specified conditions and whether damage to a machine resulted from defective design, improper installation, or faulty operation. Engineers can analyze and formulate questions in ways to permit objective conclusions. They can also reconstruct a sequence of events and attribute causal relationships among them. They must then translate the results of their analysis into language and concepts that the judge and jury will understand. Forensic engineers are usually engaged by attorneys to perform a preliminary examination of documents or a location. A more detailed analysis and written report follows and is used as the basis for engineering testimony. Engineers must be prepared to testify and to handle cross-examination. Effective forensic engineers must be competent in the engineering disciplines and skilled as writers and lecturers. They must also be objective and not blindly support the desires of the attorney or client. (Author abstract modified)

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