Day: November 23, 2022

Professionals witnessing climate change are in a unique position to participate in the debate about global warming. While they may be advocates for a particular side of the issue, they have a different obligation than citizens to the public. Their witnessing must be impartial and objective to ensure the facts are correct.

However, the practice of witnessing is not easy. There are both practical and political constraints. There are tensions between the obligation of serving the public and the obligation to respect professional knowledge. In addition, professional witnessing requires a clear and persuasive communication style to engage the public. The need to be persuasive in public speech creates tension with the duty to represent expert knowledge responsibly.

Professional witnesses may be called to court as witnesses in criminal cases. They may be summoned by the Procurator Fiscal, Reporter on the Children’s Panel or any other legal counsel. They may also be called to court by a defence attorney, family or child lawyer. Witnesses will be given formal notices that they are required to attend in these cases.

In some cases, a professional witness will be called upon to give oral evidence. Their role will be to interpret the facts of a case. They will be required to take oath before the court. This requires them to be familiar with their roles and the GMC guidelines for giving evidence. The witness should be prepared to answer questions from the barristers in the courtroom.

Expert testimony is an essential component of criminal and civil cases. Expert witnesses are often called upon to testify. Judges will benefit from their expertise in complex scientific issues. These professionals are essential in deciding the fate a case. Each case is different and so the role of an expert witness can vary.

For litigators, it is standard practice to conduct a thorough investigation of the opposing expert witnesses. A failure to thoroughly vet an expert witness can expose an attorney to professional liability or even a negligence claim. It is important to research the topic and find thought leaders and respected professionals. Conducting research is necessary to gain a better understanding of the subject and to determine if expert opinions are helpful.

Expert witnesses must establish a proper chain for custody of the evidence they provide. This chain of custody includes scholarly works, field studies and trainings that build a firm foundation of knowledge. In addition, they must prepare a report before trial, which allows the opposing party to cross-examine the expert.