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

Clarke Willmott—Kevin Joynes & Neil Gosling

Clarke Willmott—Kevin Joynes & Neil Gosling

Clarke Willmott bolsters housebuilder expertise in Birmingham

Carpmaels & Ransford—Kevin Cordina

Carpmaels & Ransford—Kevin Cordina

Firm adds former Simmons Simmons patent head to engineering and tech team

ACTAPS—Sally Goodger

ACTAPS—Sally Goodger

Freeths strengthens its voice in national disputes with ACTAPS committee appointment

NEWS
4PB chambers has announced the 2026 winner of its Alan Inglis Memorial Essay Prize, now in its third year
Murder could be split into first and second degrees, under Law Commission proposals for a historic overhaul of homicide offences
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Australian-style ban on social media for under-16s will be difficult to enforce, lawyers have warned
One in two women in law say their current working pattern is unsustainable for their long-term health, according to a report by the Next 100 Years project
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has highlighted a lack of safeguards where people use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help with legal problems
back-to-top-scroll