Expert evidence

Expert witness evidence is used to help the court understand technical and/or specialised areas and issues. The fact the expert is for the court's assistance (rather than the instructing party's) is supported by, among other things, the expert's overriding duty to the court (CPR 35.3) and the fact the court's permission is required to adduce expert evidence (CPR 35.4).

For guidance on the use of expert evidence, see:

1. •

   Practice Notes:

   1. ◦

      How to and why involve an expert witness in a claim—a high-level outline of the role of an expert in a civil claim, operating both ‘behind the scenes’ as a party’s technical adviser and after permission has been given to adduce an expert’s report in the case

   2. ◦

      Expert evidence—general considerations—which looks at whether the court is likely to accept expert evidence is ‘reasonably required to resolve the proceedings’ so as to grant permission to adduce that expert evidence under CPR 35.1. It also provides guidance on the importance of the relevant expertise of a proposed expert and looks at the issues and disputes where expert evidence is normally