Latest Expert Witness News

Test planned to establish 'Expert' court witnesses

A new test to scrutinise an expert witnesses evidence has been proposed to make trials fairer. Judges will be able to hear and test expert evidence before a jury is sworn in under new plans drawn up by the Law Commission.

The test is aimed to ensure experts are 'reliable and trustworthy'

The new test offers clear guidance on how to assess the reliability of the evidence and would apply "whenever there is a real doubt over the reliability of the evidence that a party proposes to use at trial".

The moves are needed to help reduce miscarriages of justice, as far back as 2005 a House of Commons select committee called for a gatekeeping test for expert evidence.

Professor David Ormerod, the leading law commissioner on the project, said: "Juries today expect expert evidence to be presented in criminal trials and expect it to be clear and capable of being relied on with confidence. The new test will ensure that experts and the evidence they deliver have been scrutinised appropriately and are trustworthy and reliable."

Proffessor Ormerod maintains the experts themselves will be aware of the new test of reliability and will ensure their reports and research meet those standards.

Most experts invest in Bond Solon training and conduct themselves with duty to the court.

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