Expensive conversation gets expert disqualified: forensic psychiatrist talks to plaintiffs' lawyers in workplace case, then is hired by the defense

Article Abstract:

Forensic psychiatrist Park Dietz, a top expert in workplace violence, was disqualified recently in a Florida case because he spoke extensively with lawyers for the plaintiffs before being hired by the defense. Chris Knopik and Steven Yerrid talked with Dietz for 54 minutes, during which he says he warned them not to discuss confidential details, a warning they say was never given. He billed them for the time and did not send a letter for clarifying potential clients' intentions, but turned up as a defense witness at the last minute.

United States, Cases, Ethical aspects, Evidence, Expert, Expert evidence, Dietz, Park

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Criminal crash course; Knoxville's lawyers pressed into service for misdemeanor defense

Article Abstract:

Approximately 1200 attorneys in Knoxville, TN have been ordered to perform pro bono legal services. This came about because of a burgeoning backlog in the public defender's office and inadequate state indigent defense funds. Local attorneys are unhappy at the prospect of working without compensation. Those who rarely practice criminal law fear a conflict between their ethical duty to help the indigent and their professional duty not to accept a case for which they do not feel qualified.

Analysis, Pro bono legal services, Knoxville, Tennessee

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Husband-wife conflicts; Texas court bars firm from criminal case because partner's spouse is D.A

Article Abstract:

An appeals court in Texas decided in the case of Haley v Boles that a whole law firm should be excused from indigent defense litigation because one of its partners, John L. Price, is married to the district attorney, Karren Price. The judges held that this marital relationship might compromise the defendant's constitutional right to counsel. The decision applies only to eastern Texas but raises philosophical issues about the legal ethics of husband-and-wife attorneys anywhere.

Standards, Husband and wife, Husband-wife relations

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