American Academy of Neurology qualifications and guidelines for the physician expert witness

Abstract

Neurologists may be called upon to serve as expert witnesses in various legal proceedings. In this role, they can serve the public interest by providing testimony that is competent, objective, and respectful of law and the legal process. The American Academy of Neurology, as the largest professional society of neurologists in the United States, has undertaken to formulate a Code of Professional Conduct for its members. The purpose of the following provisions is to inform members of the Academy as to what constitutes ethical expert testimony. A neurologist who violates these provisions is subject to disciplinary action under the By-Laws and Disciplinary Action Policy of the Academy if the violation occurs while the neurologist is a member of the Academy.