Shopping an Opinion

Refers to taking an issue, typically a legal issue, to multiple experts for an informal opinion, for example a Non-Liability Opinion, until an expert is found whose informal opinion is favorable; this expert is then commissioned to produce a formal opinion. The facts as presented may be varied or spun to each expert so as to eventually secure the desired outcome. Shopping an opinion is considered unethical and the usual approach of a court or tribunal is to require all of the opinions and materials used to be produced, including earlier informal opinions.

Related Terms