Expert Witness

What is an Expert Witness?

An expert witness is someone who has extensive knowledge and experience of the issue in dispute and who is able to provide expert evidence either in writing or orally to a court or other tribunal (such as an arbitrator).

Before the introduction of the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR), both parties to a dispute would have their own expert witness whose views would support their client’s case. Although the duty of an expert witness is to the court or tribunal and s/he must give their honest, expert opinion, expert witnesses can genuinely hold different views on the matter in dispute.

Following the introduction of CPR, the courts encourage the use of a single joint expert who will present a report to the court on the matter in dispute. If the parties in dispute cannot agree upon the identity of a suitable expert witness, the Court may order an Independent body such as the Law Society or RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) to appoint an expert witness. An administration charge is normally made for this service.