CPR 19 & Expert Evidence - A Guide for Criminal Lawyers

Introduction

This virtual classroom seminar will explore issues related to expert evidence at trial and sentencing.

A bad expert or a report which doesn’t comply with the law or CPR has the potential to wreck a case at trial. There is often a temptation to seek expert opinions where these are not admissible as no expert is required. Again, a case built on a expert who can’t then be called will be wrecked for one party. This course identifies the law and procedural issues involved in adducing expert evidence and trying to ensure your expert comes up to proof.

Now updated to include changes to the Criminal Procedure Rules and the Criminal Practice Directions 2023, and case law up to September 2024.

What You Will Learn

This live broadcast will cover the following:

• When is expert evidence admissible?
• Weight and admissibility
• Who is an ‘expert’?
• Disclosure and experts
• The parties’ obligations under CPR 19
• Joint instructions and joint expert meetings
• The likely loss of legal professional privilege
• The consequences of non-compliance
• Commonly encountered problems with experts
• When can an expert be paid from public funds?

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.