ABSTRACT
In The Ikarian Reefer 2 Judge Humphrey Lloyd’s Rep 68 the author summarises some of the duties and responsibilities of expert witnesses in civil cases. Since that decision there has been a growing recognition of the need for the courts and the profession to identify in clear terms what is expected of expert witnesses. Expert evidence has a critical function to play in civil and criminal litigation. The interests of justice require that expert witnesses should receive clear guidance as to their duties and responsibilities. Lord Woolf’s far reaching and visionary reforms reflect the need for clear guidance to expert witnesses. Good practice requires that an expert witness should confirm at the end of his or her report that he/she has read and understood a clear statement from the court as to the duties and responsibilities of expert witnesses and has complied and will continue to comply with the same at all stages of his/her involvement in the case.
