Demonstrating the expertise of an expert witness in the civil court: Use of a concise CV after the judgment in Re C

Abstract

The suitability of an unregistered expert psychologist to give evidence to the Family Court was considered in Re C [2023] EWHC 345 (Fam). An important part of the judgment focused on the need for an expert witness to demonstrate, in a short, concise and relevant CV, why they have the expertise to give opinion evidence in the case. The judgment has important implications for experts in civil litigation, where the same issues arise. The case of Re C is reviewed and recommendations for a new format for part of expert reports provided in civil litigation are discussed.