Expert Witness

Expert Witness

An Expert Witness can be anyone with knowledge or experience of a particular field or discipline beyond that to be expected of a layman. The Expert Witness’s duty is to give to the Court or tribunal an impartial opinion on particular aspects of matters within his expertise which are in dispute.

They can be called for a variety of reasons but one of the most common is to resolve disputes involving property. This can include anything from landlord tenant disputes to matrimonial breakdowns or family and boundary disputes.

Message from Timothy Hutchinson

“In my role as an expert witness I have specialised in property valuation and am a registered valuer with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).  I have also received additional training.”

An expert witness’s primary duty is that of telling the truth.

The expert witness must also :

• Report, in oral evidence.
• Be independent of the client and legal team.
• Give evidence within their own expertise to assist the court in reaching its own decision.
• Research or ascertain the relevant facts, to educate the court in specialist or technical knowledge.
• Reach a reasoned and honestly-held opinion.
• Co-operate with the client and instructing legal team.
• Co-operate with other legal teams when required.
• Co-operate with other experts.
• Communicate any change of mind.
• Comply with the directions of the court.

For further information please contact timothy@hutchinson.ie