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Abstract:
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Legal understanding of what a scientific expert is, and the range of topics on which scientists and medical doctors can provide reports has changed in the last decades. Recognition that many apparently medical questions require a substantial contribution from statistics has increased. My experience from providing reports on life expectancy, and on adverse effects of drugs, suggests that we should not under-estimate the value of simple, clear statistics. Challenges include explaining statistical concepts, tactfully challenging errors in medical reports and too little or too much research evidence. In some countries, the experts are instructed to have discussions and provide a joint report for the court; in others, discussion only occurs in court. In some jurisdictions, one can provide reports to both parties; in others, a report can only be provided to one side. I have experienced an attempt to block evidence by requesting a report from myself and the only other experts in the field, and then only disclosing the preferred report. I encourage more statisticians to act as experts, to improve the quality of evidence in legal cases.
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