15 February EWI News Forensic Science Regulator consultation on the code of practice Consultation, forensic science, Code of Practice, forensic science regulator The Forensic Science Regulator is consulting on the draft for the development of version 2 of the forensic science code of practice.
15 February Case Updates The direction of a Single Joint Expert should be the default position in the Family Court Single joint expert, Family Law, family court In BR v BR [2024] EWFC 11, Mr Justice Peel concludes that the direction of a Single Joint Expert is the default position in the Family Court and there is a high bar to persuade the court to give permission for two or more experts to be solely instructed.
12 February Case Updates Expert reports and their appendices should not be indigestible to the court Expert reports The judge made it clear to the parties that the expert evidence must be condensed and translated into a form which is manageable and proportionate to the court's enquiry. L v O [2024] EWFC 6
8 February Case Updates Yesss (A) Electrical Ltd v Martin Warren [2024] EWCA Civ 14 CPR A late application to rely on a new expert witness does not engage CPR rule 3.9 and require an application for relief from sanctions.
22 January Case Updates Expert witnesses must not act as advocates for the party instructing them Expert evidence, Judicial critism, Dentistry, Credibility of expert An expert witness must be careful not to step over the boundary between being an independent expert and an advocate for the party instructing them. Balachandra v The General Dental Council [2024] EWHC 18 (Admin) (10 January 2024)
19 January Case Updates Experts making the evidence fit their own conclusions do not meet their duty to the Court Expert evidence, Medical expert, CPR Part 35, Duty to the court, Judicial critism, Credibility of expert A medical expert witness was not helping the Court by trying to make the evidence about a child's injuries fit their own conclusions. LCC v V & B [2023] EWFC 268 (18 August 2023)
11 January Case Updates Psychiatrist removed from the GMC Register following misconduct as an Expert Witness Case demonstrates the importance of understanding your role as an Expert Witness.
4 January Industry News Scottish Civil Justice Council publish consultation analysis Indications are that the next draft will contain more detail on Expert Evidence.