Expert Evidence, 4th Edition

Expert evidence creates numerous problems for lawyers and judges. The Supreme Court of Canada has recognized such dangers, including misleading and confusing expert evidence, expert evidence that distorts the fact-finding process, and lawyers’ difficulty challenging expert evidence.

Expert Evidence, 4th Edition will ease the strain of managing expert evidence. In this new, fully updated edition, author Glenn Anderson describes and analyzes the law of expert evidence in Canada from both the civil and criminal law perspectives. He recommends how to determine reliability and admissibility following methodologies from Canada and the United States. Discussion also includes potential reforms to improve impartiality of expert witnesses, reliability of expert evidence and its evaluation.

Expert Evidence, 4th Edition will help readers:

• Identify the confusing issues unique to expert evidence
• Evaluate the reliability and admissibility of expert evidence
• Enhance the impact of your expert witnesses
• Challenge opposing expert witnesses effectively

What’s New In This Edition

• New commentary and case law since the previous edition published over a decade ago
• Updated analysis on how the seminal case on expert evidence, R. v. Mohan, has been followed and applied by the courts
• Discussion of the case White Burgess v. Abbott, which clarified the modern legal framework for the admissibility of expert opinion evidence
• Updated review of expert evidence in the United States and the Federal Rules of Evidence and Procedure
• Developments in the United Kingdom and the Forensic Science Regulator
• Commentary on the admissibility and dangers of lay opinion evidence
• Discussion of anecdotal opinion evidence, expert witness immunity and costs
• Newly reorganized and consolidated chapters

Who Should Read This Book

• Civil and criminal lawyers who need to use and challenge expert evidence to create compelling arguments
• Judges who must determine the reliability and admissibility of expert evidence
• Expert witnesses, including doctors, dentists, psychiatrists, family physicians, and engineers, who need to testify persuasively, while remaining independent
• Evidence professors who teach the rules and issues of expert evidence to future lawyers
• Professionals and litigants who retain lawyers to use or challenge expert evidence