In the last podcast for 2024, we look back at the ten key issues for expert witnesses that we've seen over the course of 2024, and highlight the ten things to look out for in 2025. From knowing and complying with your duties, to reevaluating and changing you opinion and handling fundamental dishonesty, this year in review has it all. 

The report of an expert in psychiatry was undermined by his acceptance of the appellent's account which, unbeknown to him, a previous tribunal had found to lack credibility. The court also attached less weight to the expert's assessment than it did to a hospital letter because the assessment had been conducted remotely.

Chahal v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2024] UKAITUR UI2024001451

The Claimants' solicitors abused the Court's process by issuing claims based on the evidence of an expert when there were significant concerns as to his independence in a previous case and therefore his understanding of his duty to the Court as an expert. 

The importance of previous decisions in immigration and asylum cases

Lady Justice Simler considered the practical things that Experts can do to enhance their credibility.

We have often drawn attention to cases in which claims regarding experts’ unreliability were supported, so we feel it is important to highlight counter-examples

Relevance:      Psychiatry

                        Psychology

Topics:   Demeanour of witness

Credibility

Learning disability

IQ