A Practical Guide To The Use Of Expert Evidence In Criminal Cases

This book takes the practitioner through all stages of the process from initial identification of the need for expert evidence, through to maximising the benefit of this evidence at trial.

In recent times the use of expert evidence has hit the headlines when scrutiny over the expert's qualifications and experience has undermined the credibility of their evidence. This has rapidly become an area of law that practitioners cannot afford to get wrong. This book takes the practitioner through all stages of the process from initial identification of the need for expert evidence, through to maximising the benefit of this evidence at trial. It considers the practical steps required for adducing expert evidence at trial (noting the appropriate procedure rules and practice directions), and how this can most appropriately be presented to the tribunal (including references to key authorities as appropriate). The second edition of this book provides an update in relation to matters of admissibility and the use of expert evidence, but also expands on the types of expert evidence that practitioners may come across in their own work. It aims to provide the practitioner with a level of understanding of these fields that can be used to build confidence when tackling an expert report and challenging an expert in court. With that in mind it is suitable for both junior practitioners coming across these areas of expertise for the first time and seeking to build their knowledge afresh, as well as the more seasoned practitioner seeking to refresh their knowledge as well as understanding some of the greater detail surrounding the various fields of expertise. CONTENTS Ch 1 - An Introduction to Expert Evidence - What is an expert report? Who can be an expert? The independence of expert witnesses Ch 2 - The use of Expert Evidence in Criminal Proceedings - covering case management, unused material, the presentation of expert evidence in court, directing the jury Ch 3- An introduction to the use of psychiatric evidence in the criminal justice system Ch 4 - Fitness to Plead - An overview of the fitness to plead procedure, including how it can be used in both the Magistrates' and Crown Court, how it is established, and how an acts hearing is conducted Ch 5 - Insanity - How to establish insanity and the consequences of the return of the 'special verdict' Ch 6 - The utility of psychiatric evidence in establishing self defence Ch 7 - Disposal of cases involving elements of mental health treatment - an overview of the options available to the court Ch 8 - Digital Forensics - the principles for obtaining digital evidence, powers to obtain digital material from within the UK and from abroad, principles of examining devices for digital material, issues arising from the disclosure of gitial material. Ch 9 - Cell Site Evidence - What is it? How it can be used? What are its limitations? How can it be challenged? Ch 10 - Modern Slavery - How can an expert assist with matters of modern slavery? Ch 11 - Gangs, Lyrics and Association - When can the prosecution rely on evidence of gang assocation and music lyrics? Ch 12 - An introduction to Forensic Science - How does forensic science fit within the criminal justice system? Ch 13 - Fingerprint Analysis - Recovering and examining fingerprints; cognitive bias in fingerprint examination. Ch 14 - Firearms - analysis of firearms and ballistics; rifling and the identification of firearms; firearm discharge residue. Ch 15 - The use of DNA in Criminal Proceedings - an overview of the science; sources of DNA; interpretation of DNA; establishing the evidential significance of a match; the prosecutor's fallacy; limitations of the science Ch 16 - The use of statistics in forensic science - random match probability; liklihood theory; bayesian theorum; statistical evidence in court. Ch 17 - General tips when using expert evidence

The use of expert witnesses in court cases is growing at a rapid rate but most experts have no experience or training in court procedure. This guide explains how to present subjects to a jury and prepares experts for the rigours of cross-examination.

Practical Guide to Evidence provides a clear and readable account of the law of evidence, acknowledging the importance of arguments about facts and principles as well as rules. This fifth edition has been revised and updated to address recent changes in the law and debates on controversial topics such as surveillance and human rights. Coverage of expert evidence has also been expanded to include forensic evidence, bringing the text right up-to-date. Including enhanced pedagogical support such as chapter summaries, further reading advice and self-test exercises, this leading textbook can be used on both undergraduate and professional courses.

The law of evidence underlies the whole practice of law in every field involved in litigation. This book is constructed around the facts of a fictitious, but not unrealistic case and the issues which it raises. This fourth edition covers the changes made by the Criminal Justice Act 1991.

The second edition of this widely acclaimed book maintains the author's original objective: to provide a clear and readable account of evidence law, which acknowledges the importance of arguments about facts and principles as well as rules. It is written

This project addressed the admissibility of expert evidence in criminal proceedings in England and Wales. Currently, too much expert opinion evidence is admitted without adequate scrutiny because no clear test is being applied to determine whether the evidence is sufficiently reliable to be admitted. Juries may therefore be reaching conclusions on the basis of unreliable evidence, as confirmed by a number of miscarriages of justice in recent years. Following consultation on a discussion paper (LCCP 190, 2009, ISDBN 9780118404655) the Commission recommends that there should be a new reliability-based admissibility test for expert evidence in criminal proceedings. The test would not need to be applied routinely or unnecessarily, but it would be applied in appropriate cases and it would result in the exclusion of unreliable expert opinion evidence. Under the test, expert opinion evidence would not be admitted unless it was adjudged to be sufficiently reliable to go before a jury. The draft Criminal Evidence (Experts) Bill published with the report (as Appendix A) sets out the admissibility test and also provides the guidance judges would need when applying the test, setting out the key reasons why an expert's opinion evidence might be unreliable. The Bill also codifies (with slight modifications) the uncontroversial aspects of the present law, so that all the admissibility requirements for expert evidence would be set out in a single Act of Parliament and carry equal authority.