Montana courts apply a reliability inquiry to novel scientific evidence and otherwise ask whether the economist is qualified by training and experience and whether the opinion will help the fact finder, leaving the weight of the testimony to cross-examination. An economic damages report is therefore examined on its inputs: whether each rate, table, and assumption traces to the record and to a published source. NAFE membership adds a published ethics statement and a peer-reviewed literature that counsel can hold any report against; it does not replace that inquiry, and it is not a certification.
State recognition: Recognized nationally; no state licensure applies. There is no state license for forensic economists to check, so counsel verify the credential with its issuer and review the economist's testimony record directly.
NAFE membership means the same thing in Montana as anywhere else, because the association is national and no state recognizes or requires it: the economist has joined the field's professional body and agreed to its ethics statement. What that gives counsel in a matter venued in Montana is a written standard to test a report against, including an opposing report: disclosed data and assumptions, a method the economist would apply the same way for either side, and fees that do not depend on the outcome. Membership is verified with the association for the year in question rather than from a CV line, and the affiliations of the economist assigned to a matter venued in Montana are confirmed at engagement.
KW Economics economists apply nationally recognized methods while accounting for Montana's wage levels, venue, and damages rules.
Economic damages experts testify in Montana's courts, where qualification is decided case by case on education, method, and experience rather than on any single credential.
Highest court: Montana Supreme Court. Federal venues: D. Mont. Court system: courts.mt.gov.
KW Economics provides forensic economists for Montana damages matters, including remote consultation, report preparation, and deposition or trial testimony where the case is venued. Contact us to discuss availability for your matter.
Montana courts apply a reliability inquiry to novel scientific evidence and otherwise ask whether the economist is qualified by training and experience and whether the opinion will help the fact finder, leaving the weight of the testimony to cross-examination. An economic damages report is therefore examined on its inputs: whether each rate, table, and assumption traces to the record and to a published source. Recognized nationally; no state licensure applies. There is no state license for forensic economists to check, so counsel verify the credential with its issuer and review the economist's testimony record directly.
Request a consultation on Montana damages matters or call (201) 343-0700. Plaintiff and defense counsel.