A Practical Guide to the Use of Expert Evidence in Criminal Cases

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).Further this book also provides the practitioner with an overview of several different common fields of expertise including, the use of psychiatric evidence and mental health disposals available to the court, cell site evidence and DNA. It aims to provide the practitioner with a l