SCIENTIFIC EXPERT EVIDENCE - THE USE OF COURT APPOINTED REFEREES AND EXPERTS APPOINTED TO ASSIST THE COURT

In civil proceedings, judges often face the extremely difficult task of choosing between competing scientific expert evidence. The notion of a non-expert adjudicating upon conflicting scientific expert evidence is inherently problematic, but it is a feature of civil litigation in many common law jurisdictions.

The law has long provided two means of dealing with this problem: the use of court appointed referees, and of experts appointed to assist the court. Surprisingly, those means are not commonly employed, although throughout Australia there is a growing judicial inclination to exercise the power to appoint a referee. This presentation examines those means. 

Michael Christie SC of 6 Selborne Wentworth Chambers will be speaking on  this topic, with a commentary by the Honourable Justice Michael Lee of the Federal Court of Australia. Moderated by Ben Kremer SC of Banco Chambers.

Please note: Only NSW barristers or members of the NSW Bar Association can register for CPD’s or webinars.