Introduction. How Expert Opinions Fit into Civil Trials

• Author: John Hollander
• Pages: 1-2

how expert opinions f‌it into civil trials

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introduction

How Expert Opinions Fit

into Civil Trials

   opinion. However, not all opinions

are admissible, and even those that are admissible are not

immune from attack. is handbook focuses on expert

opinions for use in civil litigation. Where duly qualied,

experts overcome the common law rule against opinion

evidence: experts give opinions that assist the court in

making a decision in respect of a specic issue.

Why do lawyers require expert opinions? Because of

case analysis, lawyers know what they have to prove —

sometimes, they have to explain facts proved by lay wit-

nesses; often, they have to prove whether or not a course

of behaviour met a standard of care. is is where experts

come in.

Experts can:

• explain complicated facts

• establish the standard of care

• compare dierent conclusions

• help the court decide which conclusion is best

Judges are prone to admonish lawyers about the use

of experts. “ere are too many experts,” they say. “You