ABSTRACT
A decade ago the life of an environmental engineer seldom, if ever, touched the American judicial system except for an occasional traffic infraction or the probate of a will. Most engineers were extremely uncomfortable in court, preferring to do that which they knew how to do and avoid entering what appeared to be a dark and inhospitable realm dominated by controversy, antagonism and confrontation. During the past ten years, however, the pendulum has swung to the other side and it is now commonplace for environmental engineers to be active participants throughout the litigation process. The purpose of this paper is to offer some suggestions, some observations and some caveats to those environmental engineers who venture into the judicial arena. Of necessity, it cannot be all encompassing or hope to cover every situation which may arise. Still, it is hoped it will be useful in highlighting some of the key factors which affect the environmental engineer in his 2 role as an expert.
