ABSTRACT
Experts are witnesses who provide a court, a public authority or private individuals with the special knowledge they lack for the assessment of facts. 1 The expert furnishes the court with this special knowledge by means of written opinions, which he prepares on the evidential issue at the request of the court. In German environmental law, significant importance attaches to the role of the expert, not only in administrative proceedings in court but also in administrative procedures. Apart from the courts, public authorities and private individuals can also ask an expert to prepare an opinion.
