This unit addresses the role of expert witnesses, their reports and their testimony in criminal, civil and family law litigation. The focus of the unit is on the accountability of expert opinions and the effectiveness of the examination. It will scrutinise the common law and legislative exclusionary rules of expert evidence and the rules of procedure that relate to the admissibility of expert evidence. It will address issues of 'property in witnesses', bias, court rules, confidentiality, privilege, ethics, payment and selection of forensic experts. In addition, the unit will explore the role and impact of expert evidence in a range of different forms of litigation. -- Course Website
