Expert Evidence

This book aims to define what the law regards as expert evidence, an expert witness and the distinction between expert and other opinion given in court. It addresses the questions of who may call an expert to give evidence and in what circumstances, then describes the pre-trial and trial procedure for adducing such evidence as regulated by the Supreme Court, County Court and other Rules. It contains a section dealing with the relationship between expert evidence and the general principles of evidence as they are applied in the courts. Another section deals with the probative value and weight of expert evidence, with reference to particular techniques regularly employed in court, such as forensic science, valuation and medical prognosis, and extends to discussion of such concepts as duty of care, causation and the behavioural standards governed by the law on professional negligence. The book also covers the areas of law in which expert evidence is of importance, with particular attention and legal rules for the admissibility and use of expert evidence. Finally it considers the use of expert evidence in non-judicial tribunals such as arbitrations and disciplinary hearings.