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Duties Relating to Expert Witnesses

Expert witnesses assist in a wide range of cases in the County Court and High Court, providing independent, objective opinions based on their technical expertise. Their role is critical in ensuring that justice is served through clear, accurate, and impartial testimony. Lawyers have a duty to select expert witnesses who are impartial, possess the necessary expertise and understand their duty to the court. It is essential to understand both your role and the role of the expert witness, as failing to adhere to procedures can affect the expert’s reputation and leave a judge questioning their reliability and impartiality. 

This course focuses on the role and duty of expert witnesses, particularly in civil proceedings, before the courts in England and Wales. It covers topics such as funding, instruction, case management, and the rules governing expert witness instruction. The course is designed for solicitors, advocates, and those who work with experts in the County Court and High Court civil areas. 

Through easy-to-understand chapters, this course will cover the role and duties of expert witnesses, from their identification to case management and preparation. 

What this will cover

This course will cover:  

  • The role of the experts, judges and expert testimony 
  • The role and duties of expert witnesses in County and High Court proceedings in England and Wales 
  • Expert witness funding and disclosure of funding 
  • Letters of instruction and preparing expert witnesses 
  • Case management and preparation  
  • Admissibility of expert witness evidence and disclosure 
  • The Civil Procedure Rules and Practice Direction 35 guidance, and its implications for practice  
Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:  

  • understand the process of selecting qualified experts and verifying their credentials  
  • effectively prepare expert witnesses for legal proceedings and court behaviour  
  • succinctly and clearly brief expert witnesses  
  • maintain ethical standards and professionalism towards expert witnesses from selection through to court proceedings  
How you will learn

Course format 

This online course consists of the following elements: 

  • an interactive course presentation, with a variety of knowledge checks spaced throughout to test understanding of the material as the learner progresses 
  • an end-of-course assessment consisting of 10 questions 

Our courses conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1. However, some members may require an alternative version for accessibility purposes. This is available upon request via our contact us form. 

Assessment 

In order to pass the assessment, you must achieve a pass mark of 70%. 

The knowledge checks included in the course presentation are intended to aid your understanding of the content and offer the opportunity to apply your knowledge. They do not form part of the assessment. 

No. of items Discount
11 – 19 15%
20 – 29 20%
30 – 39 25%
40 + 30%
£57.89 ex VAT
Type of training
CPD
Format
Bitesize
Level
Intermediate
Who is this for?
Solicitors
Course length
30 minutes
Assessment type
MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions).
SRA Competence
C3

The experts

Adam Tear

Expert
Facilitator

View expert bio