Briefing: Law: Pressure put on expert witnesses
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Some solicitors have "improperly" asked expert witnesses used in legal actions to change their opinion, according to a survey published yesterday.
Seventy per cent of the experts questioned said they had been asked to modify their reports, though the vast majority of this was for acceptable clarification or matters of style. However, Tony Shepherd, of Bond Solon, who train expert witnesses, said a small number of lawyers had tried to get opinions modified - which was improper.
Mr Shepherd said that among all the 604 experts asked, none had agreed to alter their opinions to suit solicitors, which was reassuring, he said. It meant that the problem of so-called "hired gun" expert witnesses, who may completely disagree with one another according to which "side" they appear for, was not yet a problem in Britain he said.
Among the witnesses, who may be medical, scientific or other forms of experts, nearly 30 per cent now advertise their services while around 40 per cent have undergone training.
The 1997 Expert Witness Survey, Bond Solon, 11 Haymarket, London SW1 4BP; price: pounds 10
- Michael Streeter, Legal Affairs Correspondent
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments