Although accepting the medical expert's conclusion on the First Defendant's capacity to appear in court, the Bailiff noted that any further application for an adjournment on health grounds would require a much more significant explanation of the First Defendant's medical history, and precise problems and prognosis, to be provided well in advance.

Emirates NBD Bank PJSC v Almakhawi and Ors [2024] JRC 086

The claimants mounted an attack in cross-examination on the expertise and competence of an expert in Old Age Psychiatry. 

A claimant who sustained a moderately severe brain injury when she fell off a pier was found by the judge to have been been fundamentally dishonest.

An expert opinion must be supported by reasoning and correctly apply the relevant legal tests. 

The report of the psychiatrist expert witness strayed outside his expertise. It did not show any clear independent knowledge, demonstrate that that he was a country expert, or provide supporting source material.

The case of Valdo Calocane, convicted of diminished responsibility manslaughter, has brought to the public’s attention the role of expert psychiatric witnesses in cases of alleged murder. The case raises a number of issues about the role of expert witnesses in criminal proceedings, mental condition defences and the meaning of public interest.

1980 Hague Convention reports

Judicial criticism is not fatal

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