Oppositional Simulation as a Method for Expert Witness Skill Acquisition

Preparing early-career forensic human factors experts for sworn testimony typically requires resource-intensive mock trials and mock depositions. To supplement this training, the authors present a structured simulation method using a commercially available large language model (LLM), helping experts refine their communication skills for adversarial testimony. This simulation is not meant to hone human factors expertise; instead, it may sharpen the linguistic and affective mechanisms that underlie successful sworn testimony. The authors present a fictional case study (based on real events) in which a human factors expert is hired to opine on product misuse versus design defect. The authors conduct a live deposition simulation for this product liability case, with the LLM playing the role of opposing counsel. Ratings of ecological validity from practicing forensic experts will be presented to judge the fidelity of the tool. This proof of concept offers a low-cost, low-stakes training tool to prepare scientists for litigation.