header-logo header-logo

16 October 2008
Issue: 7341 / Categories: Features , Procedure & practice
printer mail-detail

Expert evidence from witnesses of fact

Janna Purdie delves into the Wembley Stadium litigation to find an interesting reminder of the pitfalls of drafting witness statements

Expert evidence

In a judgment with the potential for broad application, the Technology and Construction Court (TCC) has held that engineers in construction litigation who provide factual witness evidence may, in their evidence, also provide expert opinion.

Mr Justice Jackson decided that such expert opinion may be offered where it was reasonably related to the facts within a witness's own knowledge or based upon their own experience.

Though the judgment related to engineers in construction cases heard in the TCC, there is no reason why the principle could not be extended to other types of case heard in different courts.

The case also contained a reminder, to the extent that any of us need reminding, that when involved in drafting statements, we must exercise caution in ensuring that we do not put words in the mouths of witnesses.
The question posed

The Multiplex case arises out of the long running dispute between the

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

DAC Beachcroft—Clare Dewar

DAC Beachcroft—Clare Dewar

DAC Beachcroft strengthens Scottish real estate capabilitywith partner appointment

Womble Bond Dickinson—Brendan Ryan

Womble Bond Dickinson—Brendan Ryan

Womble Bond Dickinson appoints Brendan Ryan as partner in Public Law Projects team

Parklane Plowden Chambers—five appointments

Parklane Plowden Chambers—five appointments

Parklane Plowden Chambers welcomes five new barristers

NEWS
Pro bono is celebrating a silver anniversary, with initiatives putting businesses and students at the heart of access to justice
Choosing the wrong expert can cost a clinical negligence claimant more than their case
Judges risk weakening their own independence by staying silent over government reforms, a leading public lawyer argues
A discount on damages does not automatically mean an equivalent haircut for legal costs in military deafness claims
Police powers targeting concealed identities at protests come with procedural conditions that could determine whether prosecutions succeed
back-to-top-scroll