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:

 
Xanthium strumarium
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Common Cocklebur
This fact sheet contains information on ways to maintain and control cocklebur. Learn more about the plant by reading an in-depth guide on the features of the plant and control methods.
 Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2013, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-13-11
Nicotiana attenuata
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Coyote Tobacco
This fact sheet contains information on coyote tobacco to help homeowners identify and manage the plant. learn more about the plant and the different control methods involved with the plant.
 Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2013, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-13-14
Iva axillaris
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Poverty Sumpweed
This fact sheet contains information on poverty sumpweed for homeowners to identify and manage the plant. Learn about the properties of the plant and the control methods to manage the plant.
 Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2013, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-13-15
Solanum triflorum
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Cutleaf Nightshade
This fact sheet contains information on cutleaf nightshade to help homeowners identify and manage the plant. Learn about each part of the plant and the controls methods to maintain the plant.
 Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2012, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-13-12
Managing Austrian Fieldcress
This fact sheet contains several ways to manage Austrian fieldcress by showcasing the habitat, impact, and different methods to control the noxious perennial weed.
 Graham, J. and Johnson W. 2004, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-04-11