Approved by Extension Governing Board 9/22/08

It is Extension's position that it should be neutral in litigation among its clientele and therefore, Extension personnel should not serve as expert witnesses in Nevada. Additionally, providing expert witness service in Nevada is a conflict of interest for Extension employees (see Extension's Conflict of Interest Policy). If an Extension employee is contacted by an attorney and asked to be an expert witness in Nevada, the individual should respond by saying, "Extension policy states that employees cannot serve as expert witnesses."

For out-of-state expert witness service that does not impact Nevadans, the employee may testify on personal time by taking annual leave and with approval of the employee's supervisor and the Director of Extension (following Extension's Conflict of Interest Policy).

When a valid subpoena is served, compliance is required. If an employee receives, either through mail or personal service, a subpoena, summons, lawsuit, or other legal document related to their employment, they should follow the procedure outlined in University Administrative Manual, Section 37 and also notify their supervisor, Area Director and the Director of Extension. The preferred method of transmitting documents is by hand delivery or by fax. If necessary, the employee may scan the documents and send as an email attachment. However, the employee should refrain from discussing the details of the case in the body of the email. This is better handled by phone call. Email documents are considered part of the permanent record and are subject to release.

In some cases, an employee may be contacted by an attorney either by phone or by email. As soon as the employee becomes aware that the request relates to a legal matter, they should refer the individual to the University's Office of the General Counsel. The employee may answer basic questions or provide printed materials that are available to the public.

When giving testimony, the employee is advised to refrain from engaging in speculation or stating personal opinions.

Extension 2008, Extension Expert Witness Policy, Extension

If you need more information.

Please contact Extension's Communication Team for assistance.

 

Also of Interest:

 
Melon Survival, Yield and Quality in Nevada's High Desert Climate
This study evaluated melon varieties and agricultural practices for melon production in the high desert. Conclusions identify melon varieties that demonstrated advantages in terms of plant survival, time to harvest, fruit size, number of fruits per plant, and sweetness.
 Moe, J., Kratsch, H., Barrios-Masias, F., Hanson-Mazet, W., di Santo, Heinrich 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-24-02
melons
Melons and On-Farm Produce Safety
Melons have been grown in Nevada for generations, are suited to sustainable desert food production, and are known to be extra sweet as a result. Produce safety needs to be taken into consideration during melon production. This publication highlights the latest guidance, practices...
 Moe, J. 2020, Desert Farming Initiative (DFI), University of Nevada, Reno
Honeydew melons
Melon Research
The Desert Farming Initiative was awarded funding through the state’s Specialty Crop Block Grant program for a three year project to evaluate melon varieties, production techniques and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods for the Nevada high desert climate.
 Moe, J., and Schembre, C. 2020, Desert Farming Initiative (DFI), University of Nevada, Reno