Case Updates
Mississippi Supreme Court reverses trial verdict for improper influence on the jury without addressing the additional issues in the case, including the expert testimony that the Chamber argued was improperly admitted
March 11, 2021
U.S. Chamber backs the obligation of Mississippi judges to enforce sound and reliable expert testimony
October 07, 2016
The U.S. Chamber joined a coalition of business associations to urge the Mississippi Supreme Court to reinforce the obligation of Mississippi judges to serve as expert testimony “gatekeepers” by admitting only impartial, sound, and reliable expert opinions. The brief argued that faithful application of the standards for expert testimony is essential to protect the integrity of Mississippi jury verdicts. Specifically, the brief argued that the lower court erred by admitting the opinions of experts whose conclusions were based on unfounded assumptions, not justified by necessary testing, and incompatible with un-contradicted factual evidence. The brief also argued that the trial court's admission of unreliable testimony is particularly problematic where, as here, the product in question exceeded all federal safety standards.
The Chamber was joined by the Association of Global Automakers, Inc., the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the Mississippi Economic Council, and the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association.
R. Mark Alexander, Jr. and Bryan C. Sawyers of Balch & Bingham LLP served as counsel for the amici.
Case Documents
- U.S. Chamber Amicus Brief -- Hyundai Motor Company v. Applewhite (Mississippi Supreme Court).pdf
- American Tort Reform Assn., et al. Amicus Brief -- Hyundai Motor Company v. Applewhite (Mississippi Supreme Court).pdf
- Products Liability Advisory Council Amicus Brief -- Hyundai Motor Company v. Applewhite (Mississippi Supreme Court).pdf
- Stay Order -- Hyundai Motor Company v. Applewhite (Mississippi Supreme Court).pdf
- Opinion -- Hyundai Motor Company v. Applewhite (Mississippi Supreme Court).pdf