*/
Current laws on admissibility of expert evidence in criminal trials are “unsatisfactory” and may have led to miscarriages of justice, according to the Law Commission.
In a consultation paper launched in April, “The Admissibility of Expert Evidence in Criminal Proceedings in England and Wales”, the Commissioners recommend a new test for admissibility and new guidelines to help Crown Court judges and magistrates determine whether evidence is sufficiently reliable to be admitted.
Law Commissioner Professor Jeremy Horder said expert evidence, particularly scientific evidence, “could have a very persuasive effect on juries.
“There have been miscarriages of justice in recent years where prosecution expert evidence of doubtful reliability has been placed before Crown Court juries”.
The Commission has established an interactive online forum where consultees can view the proposals and make comments at www.lawcom.gov.uk/expert_evidence.htm
In a consultation paper launched in April, “The Admissibility of Expert Evidence in Criminal Proceedings in England and Wales”, the Commissioners recommend a new test for admissibility and new guidelines to help Crown Court judges and magistrates determine whether evidence is sufficiently reliable to be admitted.
Law Commissioner Professor Jeremy Horder said expert evidence, particularly scientific evidence, “could have a very persuasive effect on juries.
“There have been miscarriages of justice in recent years where prosecution expert evidence of doubtful reliability has been placed before Crown Court juries”.
The Commission has established an interactive online forum where consultees can view the proposals and make comments at www.lawcom.gov.uk/expert_evidence.htm
Current laws on admissibility of expert evidence in criminal trials are “unsatisfactory” and may have led to miscarriages of justice, according to the Law Commission.
Kirsty Brimelow KC, Chair of the Bar, sets our course for 2026
What meaningful steps can you take in 2026 to advance your legal career? asks Thomas Cowan of St Pauls Chambers
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, explains why drugs may appear in test results, despite the donor denying use of them
Asks Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
AlphaBiolabs has donated £500 to The Christie Charity through its Giving Back initiative, helping to support cancer care, treatment and research across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and further afield
Q and A with criminal barrister Nick Murphy, who moved to New Park Court Chambers on the North Eastern Circuit in search of a better work-life balance
The appointments of 96 new King’s Counsel (also known as silk) are announced today
Ready for the new way to do tax returns? David Southern KC continues his series explaining the impact on barristers. In part 2, a worked example shows the specific practicalities of adapting to the new system
Resolution of the criminal justice crisis does not lie in reheating old ideas that have been roundly rejected before, say Ed Vickers KC, Faras Baloch and Katie Bacon
With pupillage application season under way, Laura Wright reflects on her route to ‘tech barrister’ and offers advice for those aiming at a career at the Bar
Jury-less trial proposals threaten fairness, legitimacy and democracy without ending the backlog, writes Professor Cheryl Thomas KC (Hon), the UK’s leading expert on juries, judges and courts
