From discovery to trial, there are several occasions when objections to an expert’s opinion are proper. Here, we cover a wide range of possible objections both attorneys and experts should review before deposition or trial.
Deposition Objections
An expert’s deposition is an important part of their overall testimony. In addition to its scientific and technical nature, sworn testimony that can be used to later impeach an expert witness at trial. It is important to note, however, that a deposition is still different than trial and there are a number of objections that can be properly raised with respect to an expert’s deposition testimony. For example, counsel can object when a question asks the expert for:
1) Legal analysis Instead of factual information
Questions that ask expert witness opinions about the legal analysis of the case rather than purely factual information are objectionable on the grounds that the testimony qualifies as attorney work product protected under FRCP 26(b)(4)(C). The Advisory Committee notes “[t]he refocus of disclosure on “facts or data” [changed from “data and other information” in 1993] is meant to limit disclosure to material of a factual nature by excluding theories or mental impressions of counsel.”
2) Privileged information
It is important to note that any objection based on privilege must be made or it is waived for the party that failed to raise it on the record.
3) Testimony outside the scope of expert’s assigned task
Generally, questions that attempt to elicit information outside the scope of the witness’ expertise are improper. Bailey v. Meister Brau, Inc., 57 F.R.D. 11, 14 (N.D. Ill. 1972). For example, in a medical malpractice case involving a faulty device, an expert may be familiar with other similar devices and face questions about his or her opinion about devices from other manufacturers. When appropriate, counsel can make the objection that the question is outside the scope of the expert’s assigned task.
4) Confidential information protected from persons at the deposition
Under FRCP 26(c)(1), a party can move for a protective order of parts of an expert’s testimony that may require disclosure of sensitive and protected information. For example, Rule 26(c)(1)(G) says “[t]he court may, for good cause, issue an order to protect a party or person from annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense, including…requiring that a trade secret or other confidential research, development, or commercial information not be revealed or be revealed only in a specified way.” This is an important rule to remember when dealing with terms of a business contract or client medical history. The expert witness may answer when the certain persons designated in the protective order leave the deposition room.
5) Answers already provided by the expert earlier in the deposition
“Asked and answered” is a standard objection during depositions when the deponent is repeatedly asked a question they have answered. This is especially important if the question is asked for any other purpose except clarification of earlier testimony. For example if the question is repeated to harass or otherwise embarrass the witness.
6) Mischaracterization of earlier testimony
In some instances during an expert’s deposition, opposing counsel may phrase a question by misstating the expert’s earlier testimony. Especially where scientific or otherwise technical data and conclusions are concerned, it is important to clear these mischaracterizations up on the record when they occur.
7) Leading or coaching of the expert witness by opposing counsel
Another standard objection when an expert is under direct examination by opposing question. The expert is there to testify to factual matters and questions presented should not presuppose or suggest the answer. This sometimes occurs when the expert asks the interviewer for clarification about a question.
8) Improper form of a question
“Objection to form” is a vague and broad objection, commonly raised during depositions. Improper form objections can fall into many categories, where some jurisdictions require the objecting party to note a specific ground and others allow a general “objection to form.” A common example is when an expert is asked a compound question, meaning a series of multiple questions without giving the witness an opportunity to answer each individually. Whenever an objection to form is raised, the witness is still required to answer but the objection notes for the record that the form of the question was improper for being:
- Compound
- Prejudicial/Misleading
- Ambiguous
- Argumentative
- Calling for speculation
- Confusing
9) Opposing party’s failure to compensate the expert
The federal rules require that experts be properly compensated for providing deposition testimony under FRCP 26(b)(4)(E)(i)-(ii). When the deposition is at the request of opposing counsel, an objection is proper where an expert has not been fairly compensated for the separate time and work to prepare specifically for the deposition.
Pretrial and Trial Objections
1) Motions in limine
Typically, motions to exclude or otherwise challenge expert testimony will be raised during pretrial proceedings via motions in limine. The federal rules govern expert witness testimony under Rule 26 and provide the grounds for which an expert’s testimony can be excluded, including:
- For failure to properly designate an expert witness
- Failure to submit the expert’s report in a timely manner
- For failure to submit required documents like the expert’s CV or publications
- Failure to provide any notes or related material used by expert to form the expert opinion
2) Expert witness will not assist the trier of fact
Under the Federal Rules of Evidence 703, an expert’s opinion is admissible only if the witness’ expertise and testimony will assist the trier of fact in understanding the case.
3) Expert lacks the proper qualifications
Scope: A scientific background is not required for an expert to qualify as an expert witness. However, it is important to know the scope of expert’s knowledge as it applies to the case. For example, an individual that was a teacher for deaf children for over 30 years does not automatically render the witness an expert in deaf people’s heightened sense of sight as a general fact.
Credentials: If an expert’s particular background or expertise is not appropriate for the issues on which he or she is expected to testify, then a motion in limine is proper. Similarly, if there are issues with the representations on the expert’s CV, these are often raised pretrial as well.
4) Reliability of principle and methods (Daubert challenges)
Expert report methodology: A Daubert motion is the most direct way to challenge the reliability of an expert’s opinion. Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 509 U.S. 579 (1993), and its progeny set the standards for the admissibility of expert reports and testimony. The Daubert Court set out factors to be considered in determining whether an expert’s report is reliable:
- whether the expert’s theory can and has been tested;
- whether the theory has been subjected to peer review and publication;
- the known or potential rate of error of the particular scientific technique;
- whether the technique is generally accepted in the scientific community
Kumho Tire Co., Ltd. v. Carmichael, 526 U.S. 137 (1999) expanded Daubert to include non-scientific expert testimony.
In 2000, the FRE 702 was changed to essentially codify the Daubert factors. For tips on successfully handling Daubert challenges, look here.
If the objections above are not raised in a pre-trial motions, they may still be raised when the expert witness is tendered at trial. Admissibility of expert witness testimony is governed by FRE Rules 702-705.
In addition to challenging the witness’ qualifications, scope of expertise and and reliability of principles and methods used to form the opinion, counsel can object when a question asked at trial:
- Assumes facts not in evidence
- Lacks the proper foundation
- Seeks an answer already admitted by stipulation. See FRE 403.
Expert witnesses are retained to explain technical or scientific subject matter and help the trier of fact to understand certain aspects of the case. FRCP 26 protects attorney-expert communications and governs the disclosure of expert witness testimony. FRE Rules 702-705 govern the admissibility of expert opinions.
