It is always very interesting to hear what judges have to say about giving expert testimony. At the recent New Jersey CPA Society’s Business Valuation and Litigation Services Conference, retired judge Charles M. Rand, who presided in New Jersey Superior Court, was asked a question: What should the expert do if he or she cannot answer yes or no to a question from opposing counsel? Some judges have said that the witness can turn to the judge and ask to expand on their answer. Some judges may not welcome that, so Judge Rand offers an alternative strategy. The witness should respond, “I can’t answer yes or no to that question.” If the opposing counsel keeps pushing you, then you simply have to give an answer. But the attorney on your side should, on redirect, ask you to explain why you couldn’t answer yes or no.

Full coverage of all of the sessions at the conference will be in the November issue of Business Valuation Update.