29 November 2024 Keith Rix 2296 Case Updates Expert appoints herself as social worker, psychologist, therapist and judge byKeith Rix Commentary At a time when psychologists in particular are concerned about psychological evidence being given by psychologists who are unregulated, this case illustrates the risks when an ‘independent’ social worker gives psychological evidence. The learning points are of general application. The specifics of the case are for psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers. Learning Points Do not allow your own experiences and interests and your sympathy for the subject to cloud your judgment Keep your personal experiences out of your testimony Opinions need to be evidence-based. Have regard to the totality of the evidence. Expert investigation of a case should be in-depth and accurate. To continue reading you must be an EWI member, become a member and access exclusive content. Already a member? Login More links Link to the Judgment Share Print Tags IndependenceUnregulated Experts16. Criticism and Complaints06. Rules and Regulations Related articles Experts who rise above the fray and fully discharge their duties to assist the Court Car-Wizard Limited v Vixen Surface Treatments Limited [2026] EWHC 685 (Ch) Unregulated Experts in Family Court Children Proceedings David Abbott & Ors v Ministry of Defence [2026] EWHC 941 (KB) Evidence as to fitness to participate in legal proceedings is expert evidence Switch article T (Fresh Evidence on Appeal), Re [2024] EWCA Civ 1384 Previous Article One tray short of a baker’s dozen: injury on the production line Next Article Comments are only visible to subscribers.