Which statement about participating in a legal proceeding is FALSE?

• A. As an expert witness, you should always come across as if you know everything; after all, that's what makes you an expert!
• B. Never become argumentative on the witness stand.
• C. Before entering the courtroom, go over your testimony.
• D. Avoid hearsay, biased opinions, or irrelevant statements.

Answer: (A)

In testimony, credibility comes from honesty, clarity, and a solid basis for your conclusions, not from projecting omniscience. An expert witness should present findings with appropriate confidence while basing them on data, methodology, and recognized standards, and be willing to acknowledge limitations or uncertainties when they exist. Pretending you know everything can mislead the court and undermine trust in your expert opinion, because it suggests you’re making assertions beyond what the evidence supports. The best practice is to answer questions directly, explain how you arrived at conclusions, and cite your data or methods, so your testimony stands on verifiable foundation. The other statements reflect good courtroom conduct: staying nonconfrontational on the stand helps maintain professionalism; reviewing your testimony beforehand ensures consistency and accuracy; and avoiding hearsay, biased opinions, or irrelevant statements preserves the integrity and admissibility of the testimony.