Expert witness protocol

The Civil Justice Council’s protocol for the instruction of expert witnesses in civil cases launched in June is not binding as such, but judges will very much expect solicitors and witnesses to comply with it, according to the Master of the Rolls. It replaces the previous separate guidelines issued by the Academy of Experts and the Expert Witness Institute, setting solicitors’ duties in appointing and instructing expert witnesses. It is available at: www.academy-experts.org , www.ewi.org.uk and www.civiljusticecouncil.gov.uk