The AMS Short Course on The Art and Science of Forensic Meteorology will be held on 7 January 2018 preceding the 98th AMS Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas.
Many meteorologists become involved in forensic meteorology at some point in their careers. Some meteorological consultants spend 100 % of their time on litigation projects and give several depositions each year plus testifying at several trials. In most cases, meteorologists at consulting companies, universities, and large research labs are likely to spend only 10 % or less of their time on litigation. Even meteorologists employed by research organizations or government agencies may need to provide testimony at hearings.
The goal of the course is to share with other meteorologists the concept of forensic meteorology, including the business, the science, the witness stand, and the ethics. The course is aimed at consulting meteorologists, students, young professionals, research scientists, and any others (e.g., retirees) who are interested in the business.
The one-day short course consists of lectures by persons experienced in forensic meteorology, supplemented by a practicing attorney; plus a panel discussion of key issues, and a mock deposition and trial. Lecture topics include how to start your own forensic meteorology business, ethics, strengthening science (Daubert issues), examples of case studies (successes and failures), sources of weather products, bridging the gap between university work and consulting, and the art of graphics for the judge and jury.
Instructors for the course are CCMs and members of NCIM, plus a practicing attorney who works often with meteorologists.
A luncheon will be provided during the short course.
Computers, laptops or internet access will not be available or required for this course.
For more information please contact Steven Hanna (office: 207 967 4478, cell: 859 351 6524; email: stevenrogershanna@gmail.com.
SUN 7 JANUARY Please click on a title below to view the presentation:
8:00 a.m. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Steve Hanna, Hanna Consultants (HC)
8:10 a.m. HOW TO GET STARTED AS A FORENSIC METEOROLOGIST. THE ART OF TESTIFYING. Gale Hoffnagle, TRC
8:40 a.m. RUNNING YOUR OWN COMPANY (BUSINESS ISSUES, CONTRACTING, INVOICING, ETC.). Steve Hanna, HC, and Alicia Wasula, Shade Tree Meteorology
9:10 a.m. ETHICS. Gerry Mulvey, University of the Incarnate Word
9:40 a.m. STRENGTHENING FORENSIC SCIENCE (DAUBERT ISSUES). Gale Hoffnagle, TRC
10:30 a.m. WINS, LOSSES , AND HORRORSTORIESINVOLVING FORENSIC METEOROLOGY. H. Michael Mogil, How the Weatherworks
11:00 a.m. CCM CERTIFICATION NEWS, NCIM MEMBERSHIP TYPES. Anthony Lupo, University of Missouri
12:00 p.m. SHORT COURSE LUNCHEON (included) With Eric Groten (Vinson & Elkins) speaking on “A Lawyer’s Perspective”
1:15 p.m. OVERVIEW OF NCDC, NCAR AND OTHER SOURCES OF WEATHER PRODUCTS. Anthony Lupo, University of Missouri
1:45 p.m. BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN UNIVERSITY WORK AND CONSULTING. Pam Knox, University of Georgia
2:10 p.m. THE ART OF GRAPHICS, ANIMATION, AND MAPPING FOR THE JUDGE AND JURY. Elizabeth Austin, WeatherExtreme
2:35 p.m. MOCK DEPOSITION AND TRIAL. Moderator: Gale Hoffnagle; Participants: All speakers
All short course/workshop attendees must register and wear a badge/ribbon. Short course/workshop registration is not included in the 98th Annual Meeting registration, and short course/workshop registration does not include registration for the 98th AMS Annual Meeting.