Is Political Science Relevant? Ask an Expert Witness

Working as an expert witness is one of the most direct ways for a political scientist to affect actual policy. However, the worlds of academia and litigation are vastly different environments, with different norms, goals, and rules. I explore some of these differences, as well as the implications for straddling the two worlds as an expert. Ultimately, the parties in election law, redistricting, and voting rights litigation have found political scientists to be valuable partners. It is a very satisfying experience to find that our methods and skills have value outside the friendly confines of the ivory tower.