MDL Judge Says Experts' Tutorial Statements Not Impeachment Evidence

SAN FRANCISCO - The judge overseeing the federal Bextra/Celebrex MDL recently agreed with plaintiffs' arguments and ordered that experts presenting on the background science of the litigation at an upcoming court tutorial will not be placed under oath, stating that the tutorial is an informal proceeding designed to educate the court. In Re: Bextra and Celebrex Marketing Sales Practices and Product Liability Litigation, MDL No. 1699 (N.D. Calif.).

Judge Charles R. Breyer of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued the order Oct. 11, noting that the tutorial proceeding scheduled for Nov. 14 will be transcribed, …