The instruction of an expert witness can give substantial strength and direction to a case – that is, if the expert is both reputable and objective. Indeed, the knowledge and wealth of experience which years of study and practice have attributed the expert, gives them the skills required to uncover significant and often decisive evidence that would otherwise be missed by a non-expert. When an expert witness is appointed by a solicitor there are a number of imperatives to adhere to for their involvement to be respected and recognised by the court.

As providers of the most targeted network of UK expert witnesses, Foresight Clinical Services are well-versed and work strictly in line with these essential traits of an expert witness. Here we share what those requirements are and why they are integral to supporting a case.

The Importance of a Reputable Expert Witness

Anyone can state that they are an expert in a particular field, but when it comes to securing the best outcome for your case, you need to be sure that the claims of the expert witness are grounded in proof. Whether by their qualifications, registration with a certifying body – for example, a chartered psychologist, the title for which is protected by law, must be registered with the HPCP – or an extensive record of their work experience in the field, it is crucial that the expert witness is evidently an expert.

Choosing the Right Expert Witness

Proof of professional repute is not enough to secure the weight that the expert witness can give to a case. It is vital that the most targeted expert witness is appointed to the case. For example, in a criminal defence case involving an adult suffering from addiction and acute mental illness, achild psychiatrist expert witness will not be the best suited to the case as their expertise does not relate directly enough. In court, you risk the evidence provided by the expert witness being disregarded.

As part of their appointment, the expert witness must produce a comprehensive expert witness report for court which documents the methods taken to reach their conclusions. More than that, the expert witness report must be written in a detailed and accessible way allowing the court to fully understand the complexities of the highly specialised information.

Objectivity and Integrity of the Expert Witness

Imagine this scenario: you have a targeted expert witness whose specialism directly encompasses your case, so much so that the expert witness has history with the client. Immediately the independence and objectivity of the expert witness is undermined and their impartiality questioned. Failure to disclose a client or case connection to the court, can severely damage the value of the evidence provided by the expert witness, so much so that their expert opinion may be challenged or disregarded altogether with potentially damaging effects for your case. You can learn more about when an expert witness can be challenged in court, in our blog.

The impact an expert witness can have on a case cannot be understated. Our network of expert witnesses is extensive and incorporates all possible subspecialties including forensic accountants who specialise in proceeds of crime (POCA) cases, CCTV analysis for when facial mapping experts are needed, psychologists who specialise in young adult learning difficulties; the list goes on. Whatever your case, get in touch with one of our dedicated case managers and we can help you find the most targeted expert witness to give your case the strength it deserves.