Re R (A Minor) (Experts' Evidence) [1990] EWHC Fam 1 (27 July 1990)

Re R (A Minor) (Experts' Evidence) [1990] EWHC Fam 1 (27 July 1990)

Expert witnesses in child cases must provide objective, unbiased, and fully researched opinions, disclosing any limitations or provisionality, and must not omit material facts, as the child's welfare is paramount and misleading opinions can cause harm and unnecessary costs.

Citation
[1990] EWHC Fam 1
Parties
Not specified
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
27 July 1990
Procedural Posture
Wardship/child Case / Post Chambers, Open Court Clarification of Expert Witness Criteria
Outcome
General guidance issued; prior orders in chambers affirmed.
Legal Topics
Expert Evidence, Child Welfare, Wardship, Objectivity of Expert Witnesses
Family Law Evidence Expert Evidence Child Welfare Wardship Objectivity of Expert Witnesses

Case Brief

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Parties

Not specified

Procedural Posture

Wardship/child Case / Post Chambers, Open Court Clarification of Expert Witness Criteria

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What are the criteria for preparation of expert witness reports in child cases?
  2. 2 What is the duty of objectivity for expert witnesses in wardship proceedings?

Ratio Decidendi

Expert witnesses in child cases must provide objective, unbiased, and fully researched opinions, disclosing any limitations or provisionality, and must not omit material facts, as the child's welfare is paramount and misleading opinions can cause harm and unnecessary costs.

Court Disposition

General guidance issued; prior orders in chambers affirmed.

Orders

  • Criteria for expert witness reports in child cases clarified.
  • Encouragement for pre-hearing expert discussions.