In this fourth edition, Houck, a trace evidence expert and forensic anthropologist updates the work of the late Harold Feder. He treats the topic of what an expert witness is and what is expected of him or her. Each chapter defines key legal and scientific terms. The role of the expert witness is explained with tips for good presentation, organizing the information, sustaining cross-examination and even suggestions for dress and deportment on the stand. An important section deals with unethical conduct by expert witnesses such as giving false data, ignoring evidence, forming conclusions on topics outside their competence, accepting a fee to slant results and failing to disclose conflicts of interest. Houck also informs expert witnesses of their rights. An appendix charts recent Supreme Court decisions that affect expert witnesses. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)