Involvement in a legal action -- Negligence -- Rules of evidence and codes of civil procedure -- The body of scientific literature -- Foundation equals persuasion -- The expert witness -- Speaking the language of lawyers -- To do the courtroom dance, first learn the steps -- Skeletons in your closet -- Impeachment is not just for presidents! -- Criminal, civil, and workers' compensation cases -- Toxic torts in retrospect -- One case is tragic; two or more cases are an epidemic -- Professional liability -- Out of the ordinary : investigations, cases, and trials -- Do you charge for your testimony? No, I charge for my time! -- Expert witnesses : the good, the bad, and the ugly -- Closing arguments