Expert v. Advocate: The Ethical Dilemma of Expert Testimony

December 1994, Vol 19, No 3

Abstract: Counselors are increasingly called upon to serve as expert witnesses in a variety of litigation contexts. An ethical dilemma develops when the counselor’s duty to the client may seem to conflict with duty to the court. The expert versus advocate question is explored, basic principles of ethical standards posited and recommendations for resolving the ethical dilemma are presented.