Expert Evidence Flashcards
Which CPR rule and PD are key regulations that govern the presentation of expert evidence in civil proceedings?
CPR r35 and PD35.
in the case of Declan Colgan Music Ltd v UMG Recordings Inc [2023] EWHC 4 (ch) [55]-[61] , what were the three initial considerations regarding expert evidence?
its admissibility
its classification as expert evidence under CPR 35 and
its necessity to resolve the case.
Which rules are noted as subject to permission to present expert evidence?
r.35.1 and r35.4 and the overriding objective.
Under 35.0.1.1, what is expert evidence deemed as to the general rule of only factual evidence being admissible?
An exception.
What four considerations did the case of Kennedy v Cordia (Services) LLP establish governing the admissibility of such evidence?
relevance: evidence must assist court in its task.
qualifications: expert must possess necessary knowledge and experience.
impartiality: evidence must present and assess evidence impartially.
reliability: there must be a reliable body of knowledge or experience supporting the expert’s evidence.
When do the four considerations apply as mentioned in the case of Kennedy v Cordia?
they apply to both expert opinion and factual evidence.
What can expert witnesses provide?
opinions within their expertise such as tech or scientific matters but not on legal issues.
are opinions on witness credibility or reliability admissible?
No
What are the main exceptions to the general exclusionary rule in relation to evidence of opinion under s3 of the Civil evidence Act 1972?
s3(1): where a person is called as a witness in any civil proceedings, his opinion on any relevant matter on which is is qualified to give expert evidence shall be admissible in evidence.
s3(2): a statement of opinion by him on any relevant matter on which he isn’t qualified to give expert evidence is admissible as evidence of what he perceived.
Under CPR 35.1- what will expert evidence be restricted to?
which is reasonably required to resolve the proceedings.
Under CPR 35.1.1, what is the effect of the rule?
expert evidence can only be presented with the court’s permission. The court has authority not to only to direct the issues requiring evidence but also to dictate the nature and presentation of that evidence.
this power extends to excluding otherwise admissible evidence if it aligns with the overriding objective.
In Re RBS (Rights Issue Litigation) [2015], what two elements did r35.1 comprise of?
the evidence admissible and
is the evidence reasonably required to resolve the proceedings?
What is admissibility contingent upon?
the presence of recognised expertise governed by relevant standards and rules.
Under CPR 31.1.2, what have certain types of cases have raised?
particular issues concerning the question of whether expert evidence is reasonably required.
under CPR r35.1.3, which small claims cases are deemed for expert evidence to be unnecessary?
second hand car valuations.
which small claim cases are considered sufficient for expert evidence to be deemed necessary?
published and reputable valuation guides- see Bandegani v Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society Ltd.
In the case of Clifford v Chief Constable of Hertfordshire [2008] (see 35.1.6), what was the reason for a computer science expert being refused?
because issues in dispute were purely factual.
Under CPR 35.2, how is an expert defined?
a person who has been instructed to give or prepare expert evidence for the purpose of proceedings.
under CPR 35.2, how is a single joint expert defined?
an expert instructed to prepare a report for the court on behalf of two or more of the parties (including the claimant) to the proceedings.
Under CPR r35.3, what is the overriding duty to the court in relation to experts?
it is the duty of experts to help the court on matters within their expertise and this duty overrides any obligation to the person from whom experts have received instructions or by whom they are paid.
Under CPR 35.3.2, What are experts in legal proceedings obligated to do?
understand their duties and responsibilities under common law and procedural rules.
What can happen if there is a failure of experts understanding their duties and responsibilities as mentioned under CPR 35.3.2?
it can lead to sanctions and undermine the integrity of the judicial process- R v Pabon.
Under the case of National Justice Compania Naviera SA v Prudential Assurance Co Ltd [1993], what are the following duties for experts?
expert evidence must be independent and uninfluence by litigation demands
they should provide unbiased assistance to the court, offering objective opinions within their expertise.
experts must state the facts or assumptions underlying their opinions and consider all material facts to avoid bias.
they should clarify when a question or issue falls outside their expertise.
if an opinion isn’t thoroughly researched due to insufficient date, this must be indicated as provisional
any change in opinion after exchanging reports should be promptly communicated to the other party and the court.
All documents reference in expert evidence must be provided to the opposing party simultaneously with the exchange of reports.
What did Stuart Smith LJ state as to cases involving fire?
experienced fire experts may need to utilise other skills or knowledge such as mechanical or chemical expertise to assess evidence accurately.
In Kennedy v Corida, what did the Supreme Court clarify about the 7th Duty?
the 7th duty only applies to items not already accessible to the opposing party.
in Anglo Group Plc v Winther Browne & Co Ltd, what was emphasised about expert witnesses?
they should:
clearly state if any question or issue falls out of their expertise
reconsider their conclusions if based on inadequate evidence
Be open to changing their opinion when presented with ne info or considering the opinion of another expert, doing so promptly and at the earliest opportunity.
What did the case of Royal & Sun alliance Trust Co Ltd v Healey & Baker establish as to the duty of an expert to the court
this duty entails providing opinions on the entirety of the relevant subject matter and not selectively presenting evidence favouring the instructing party.
In imperial Chemical Industries Ltd v Merit Merrell Technology Ltd, what were the key considerations Fraser J emphasise regarding the importance of experts?
experts within the same discipline should have equal access to relevant material.
independent experts should refrain from expressing preferences for particular version of facts
experts should avoid taking partisan stances during interim applications.
the process of experts meeting and reaching agreements should be governed by the CPR and conducted in a constructive and cooperative manner, with consideration for overriding objective.
if new material emerges close to trial necessitating further analysis, the opposing expert should be promptly informed. Experts should avoid surprising the other party with new reports during trial, except in exceptional circumstances.
experts should adhere to the principles outlined in the Ikarian Reefer.
After Covid 19 pandemic, what do courts expect experts and lawyers to demonstrate for effective case management?
flexibility, creativity and readiness to adapt to remote tech for effective case management.
True or false:
under 35.4(1), a party may call an expert/ put in evidence an expert’s report without the court’s permission?
True.
Under 35.4(2), when parties apply for permission, they must provide an estimate of the costs of the proposed expert evidence and identify which two of the following?
the field in which expert evidence is required and the issues which the expert evidence will address; and
where practicable, the name of the proposed expert.
under 35.4(3A), where a claim has been allocated to either the small claims or fast track and permission is given, what is the permission given for?
normally be given for evidence from only one expert on a particular issue.
Under 35.4(4), what can the court do in relation to the party’s experts fees and expenses that may be recovered from any other party.
Limit the amount of the fees and expenses.
Under CPR 35.4.2, where can permission be granted from?
court’s case management directions or by application from a party.
TRUE or False:
Early consideration of intentions regarding expert evidence is encourage by the court
TRUE
true or false:
attempting to present expert evidence within or as part of a witness statement doesn’t bypass the requirement for court permission.
True
True or false:
In challenges to jurisdiction, parties should seek permission to introduce foreign law expert evidence under CPR r35.4 rather than merely exhibiting it to factual evidence.
True
True or false:
In Pipia v BGEO Group Ltd, it was held that expert evidence for applications such as security for costs need not strictly comply with Part 35 and could be provided through witness statements following a flexible approach endorsed by the Court of Appeal
True
Under 35.4.2.1, CPR Part 35 doesn’t cover all scenarios regarding expert evidence but what does it specifically apply to?
applies specifically when expert evidence is provided by experts instructed for the immediate proceedings.
TRUE OR FALSE:
if a party wishes to rely on expert evidence from previous proceedings, they may present it as hearsay evidence
True
What does the court have discretion to do under CPR r32.1(2)?
they have discretion to exclude such evidence, though it should exercise caution doing so.
True or false:
the court may exclude evidence before trial if allowing its use would result in disproportionate costs
true
On which party does the test for permission to adduce expert evidence place the burden on?
the party seeking to present it requiring them to convince the court of its utility.
what is the necessity of expert evidence is determined on?
based on the specific facts of each case, aligned with the overriding objective of litigation efficiency.
In the case of Barings Plc (In Liquidation) v Coopers & Lybrand, what was said regarding the admissibility of expert evidence?
it’s generally admissible if it pertains to issues governed by recognised standards and rules of conduct but the court retains discretion to exclude it if deemed unhelpful.
What is the three stage test as mentioned by British Airways plc v Spencer?
Is expert evidence necessary to decide an issue, rather than merely helpful? if yes, it should be allowed.
if it’s not necessary will it assist the judge in determining an issue? if it would assist but is not necessary then the court should consider,
if expert evidence on that issue was reasonably required to determine the proceedings, taking into account factors such as the value of the claim, proportionality, costs and potential delays.
R (Banks Renewables Ltd) v Secretary of State for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy, when can expert evidence be introduced?
with the court’s permission
True or False:
if permission to adduce expert evidence is denied and not granted on appeal, it’s not permissible to challenge an award of damages based on the absence of such evidence in a subsequent trial appeal
true.