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Ministry of Justice CPR important changes for Expert Witnesses

The 50th update to the Civil Procedure Rules introduces changes in a large number of areas. The changes come into force on 1 October 2009.

Part 35 relevant to courts and the role of the Expert Witness, is to undergo a major revision. These changes follow recent changes in the Criminal Procedure Rules.

Within Part 35, the changes include:

* New form of the Statement of Truth, where experts are to provide a new definition of ‘expert’

* Single Joint Experts, where experts are to provide a new definition of  ‘single joint expert’. Also in small claims track or fast track cases, that expert evidence on a particular issue to be from from one expert only.

* Expert Discussions including, provision for written questions to experts to be proportionate

These changes and many others are more extensive, and result in re-numbering of the various sections and a removal of a number of rules. For full information please click.

These changes will be discussed at the Bond Solon Expert Witness conference in November 2009

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