A Practical Guide to the Use of Expert Evidence in Criminal Cases

In recent times the use of expert evidence has hit the headlines when scrutiny over the expert’s qualifications and experience has undermined the credibility of their evidence. This has rapidly become an area of law that practitioners cannot afford to get wrong.

This book takes the practitioner through all stages of the process from initial identification of the need for expert evidence, through to maximising the benefit of this evidence at trial. It considers the practical steps required for adducing expert evidence at trial (noting the appropriate procedure rules and practice directions), and how this can most appropriately be presented to the tribunal (including references to key authorities as appropriate).

Further this book also provides the practitioner with an overview of several different common fields of expertise including, the use of psychiatric evidence and mental health disposals available to the court, cell site evidence and DNA. It aims to provide the practitioner with a level of understanding of these fields that can be used to build confidence when tackling an expert report and challenging an expert in court. With that in mind it suitable for both junior practitioners coming across these areas of expertise for the first time and seeking to build their knowledge afresh, as well as the more seasoned practitioner seeking to refresh their knowledge as well as understanding some of the greater detail surrounding the various fields of expertise.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Following completion of his LLB and LLM at the LSE and UCL respectively, Richard Padley was called to the Bar in 2011. Prior to commencing pupillage he worked for a number of eminent solicitors on a range of high profile criminal cases, involving Operation Saturn (the largest FCA insider trading case at the time), Weavering Capital (UK) Ltd and the private prosecution of Ketan Somaia.

Richard completed pupillage with 5 Paper Buildings in 2014. His practice encompasses a range of criminal, regulatory and extradition matters, with a speciality in fraud and money laundering. Richard was part of the legal team for Alex Pabon during the third LIBOR trial.  Richard’s practice often encompasses the use of expert witnesses, ranging from forensic scientists to planning and architectural practitioners.

Richard presents a nationwide seminar series on the use of expert evidence in criminal trials, delivering presentations to both prosecution and defence practitioners on how to use and challenge expert evidence in criminal proceedings.