"Just say no": experts' late withdrawal from cases to preserve independence and objectivity

An expert's decision to withdraw from a case at a late stage is an important and serious step with both forensic and ethical consequences. Preservation of a mutual right to terminate services at will is an essential (but all too often neglected) element of forensic work that can aid in immunizing the expert from threats to independence and objectivity. The authors examine the foundations of such a right, the potential obstacles to exercising it, the factors that might enter into such a decision, and the possible consequences of late withdrawal.