Giving Expert Witness Testimony

The case law in Canada sets out what constitutes expert evidence, in what circumstances expert evidence will admissible in Court and guidelines concerning the weight or value that should be given to expert evidence. The Canada Evidence Act, British Columbia Evidence Act , the British Columbia Supreme Court Rules and the Criminal Code of Canada include rules governing technical issues such as the provision of notice and the requirements for expert reports in civil and criminal cases This course will provide an overview of the trial process and the rules governing the admissibility of evidence, including expert evidence. It will also examine certain practical issues important to the expert witness such as the curriculum vitae, the expert report, how to prepare for court, ethical considerations that the expert may face and how to be an effective expert. (Formerly IE162;POL715)