ABSTRACT
This chapter gives an overview of the perceived usefulness of cultural expertise, including the types of expertise and the ways in which experts are identified and appointed in Europe. Three case studies illustrate the three main typologies of cultural expertise in Europe: independent country experts, experts attached to the judiciary, and informal experts, including also cultural expertise without experts. Cultural expertise, as an umbrella concept, allows for great flexibility in the categorisation of cultural experts. Native language speakers including translators, legal professionals, sociolinguists, cultural mediators, country experts, academicians, community leaders and religious leaders can all be appointed as or act as experts under specific regulations and contexts. Most countries in Europe have legislation and regulation on the appointment of experts as well as procedural rules for the assessment of expert evidence. The United Kingdom, France and Italy serve as examples of the broad application and typology of cultural expertise across Europe.
