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Mississippi Supreme Court

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Mississippi Supreme Court reverses trial verdict for improper influence on the jury without addressing the additional issues in the case, including the expert testimony that the Chamber argued was improperly admitted

March 11, 2021

U.S. Chamber backs the obligation of Mississippi judges to enforce sound and reliable expert testimony

October 07, 2016

The U.S. Chamber joined a coalition of business associations to urge the Mississippi Supreme Court to reinforce the obligation of Mississippi judges to serve as expert testimony “gatekeepers” by admitting only impartial, sound, and reliable expert opinions. The brief argued that faithful application of the standards for expert testimony is essential to protect the integrity of Mississippi jury verdicts. Specifically, the brief argued that the lower court erred by admitting the opinions of experts whose conclusions were based on unfounded assumptions, not justified by necessary testing, and incompatible with un-contradicted factual evidence. The brief also argued that the trial court's admission of unreliable testimony is particularly problematic where, as here, the product in question exceeded all federal safety standards.

The Chamber was joined by the Association of Global Automakers, Inc., the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the Mississippi Economic Council, and the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association.

R. Mark Alexander, Jr. and Bryan C. Sawyers of Balch & Bingham LLP served as counsel for the amici.

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