Why Attend?
- Examine situations in which opinion testimony is admissible
- Review how to qualify a witness as an expert
- Explore how to properly examine expert witnesses
- Get the electronic version of an extraordinary set of written materials published by Virginia CLE®, A Guide to the Rules of Evidence in Virginia—a $90 value—included in the regular registration fee! (If you already own the 2022-2023 edition of this handbook and do not want the e-book version, you may register at a discounted rate.)
Whether offered by lay witnesses or experts, opinions can be very persuasive to the trier of fact, but counsel must have a firm grasp on the rules regarding what is admissible and what is not. Opinion testimony can be offered by either type of witness, but there are differences in admissibility between civil and criminal cases.
Our experienced faculty will show you how to lay a proper foundation for both lay witness and expert opinion testimony, discuss the limitations on what opinions are admissible, and recommend best practices for direct and cross examination.
Topics will include:
Lay Opinion/Expert Qualification
- Review when a lay person can offer opinion testimony
- Review when expert testimony is permissible or required
- Learn how to qualify a witness as an expert
- Assess when and how opposing counsel should attack the qualification of an expert
Expert Foundation/Reliability of Opinion
- Explain reliability and ipse dixit
- Review recent Supreme Court cases excluding opinions on the basis of no foundation or reliability
Direct Examination/Limitations on What Opinions Are Admissible
- Explore the limits on an expert testifying about the basis of the expert’s opinion
- Review how to use learned treatises on direct exam of the expert
Cross Examination of Experts
- Learn the science of cross-examining experts
- Examine how to define the expertise of the designated expert
- Understand how to combine challenges to foundation and reliability successfully
ATTENDING IN PERSON ON MAY 16?
The Bobzien-Gaither Education Center in Richmond/Innsbrook is our new state-of-the-art facility designed with your safety in mind. It features a Centurion air filtration system, which quickly and effectively eliminates viruses and bacteria. Additionally, the facility is thoroughly cleaned before each seminar, and face masks and hand sanitizer will be available.
BONUS: Those attending in person will have the option of choosing to receive the A Guide to the Rules of Evidence in Virginia handbook in print or as an e-book.
COVID-19 POLICY FOR LIVE-ON-SITE ATTENDANCE
By attending a live-on-site Virginia CLE® seminar, you acknowledge the health risks associated with COVID-19 and that you MUST follow all Virginia CLE® COVID-19 policies. You may NOT attend a live-on-site program if you have tested positive for COVID-19, if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or if you are under any self-quarantine orders per CDC guidelines.
| Registration Deadlines: |
| Webcast: |
10 minutes prior to seminar. If you register for a webcast the day of the seminar, your e-mail receipt will include a link to launch the seminar and download the materials. |
| Telephone: |
Online registration ends at 11:59 p.m. the day preceding the seminar
Call (800) 979-8253 to register up to one hour prior to the seminar |
| Live on Site: |
Online registration ends at 11:59 p.m. the day preceding the seminar
Walk-in registration is permitted on a space-available basis |
Cancellation Policy: Cancellation/transfer requests will be honored until 5:00 p.m. the day preceding the seminar. You will, however, be charged $90 for the A Guide to the Rules of Evidence in Virginia handbook if you cancel or transfer your registration to a different seminar after the link to the materials has been e-mailed by Virginia CLE®.
Full refunds or transfers are available up to two days after a webcast in the unlikely event that you experience technical difficulties.
MCLE Credit Caveat: The MCLE Board measures credits by the time you spend in attendance. If you enter a seminar late or leave it early, or both, you must reflect those adjustments accurately in the credits you report on your credit reporting form. A code will be given at the end of the seminar, which must be written on your MCLE form.
Can't Attend? E-mail
distance_ed@vacle.org to be notified when/if this program is made available as an On Demand or USB seminar.
E-mail
publications@vacle.org to be notified when/if this program's seminar materials are made available for sale.