The Expert Reliable Witness

Experts can be publicly embarrassed if they are ill-prepared, or do not understandtheir duties to the court. Many high-profile miscarriages of justice have arisenbecause of the conduct of such witnesses, who have given biased evidence infavour of one party, or simply failed to understand the courts' requirements.Mark Tottenham, an experienced barrister and mediator, and award-winning writeron legal issues, has written this short and authoritative guide to the responsibilities ofprofessional witnesses. Drawing on authorities throughout the English-speakingworld, he outlines: the duties of an expert witness; the requirements of a writtencourt report; how to prepare to give evidence in court; how to maintain a professionaldetachment from the client and instructing legal team; the involvement of expertwitnesses in preparing pleadings and 'Scott schedules'; and the role of expertwitnesses in other forums such as mediations, inquests and public inquiries.