Surveying the Courtroom

Book excerpt: An outstanding reference that demystifies the legal process forexpert witnesses in land and natural resource disputes A vast and complex body of laws surrounds the ownership anddisposition of land resources today--so it is no wonder that landexperts who assist in land and natural resource disputes often findthemselves grappling with the challenging intricacies of the modernlegal process. This book offers a vital road map through thelabyrinth of civil laws and procedures that professionals whoassist in such cases must navigate. In Surveying the Courtroom, Second Edition, John Briscoeexplains--in plain English--all pertinent rules of evidence andprocedure. From the filing of a complaint to its resolution, heguides you through each phase of a land or natural resourcelawsuit, clearly describing the land expert's role at each stepalong the way. He supplies numerous fascinating and instructivecase studies and vignettes to illustrate his points and to betterprepare you for crucial developments that may arise during thecourse of a trial. He also provides copious references toapplicable codes, statutes, and court decisions, making it easierfor you to find the resources needed to verify or refute points, orto arrive at a more profound understanding of a particularsubject. Surveying the Courtroom, Second Edition is an indispensable workingresource for land surveyors, title abstractors, propertyappraisers, geologists, hydrologists, geographers, oceanographers,civil and environmental engineers, and all other professionals whoare called upon to help courts reach decisions in land and naturalresource disputes.