ABSTRACT
Providing expert evidence and giving evidence in court can make considerable demands of the unsuspecting expert. Knowledge of law and procedure are also needed insofar as they relate to experts’ duties and responsibilities as per the criminal procedure rules and the civil procedure rules, in the jurisdiction of England and Wales. The decision become involved in casework will mean that in addition to the possession of appropriate qualifications and the acquisition of knowledge, understanding and experience in the area of expertise, there will also be a need for a real aptitude in the subject area. The examination of evidential material, the provision of reports, presenting opinions at court, dealing with the relevant personnel, investigators, counsel, lawyers, plaintiffs, defendants, judges and juries are all significant considerations for the dutiful and responsible expert. Expert witnesses must be aware that counsel in cross-examination will attempt to affect the credibility of the expert and that of the expert’s evidence.
