Expert witness crisis sparks change

The use of expert witnesses in medical court cases is under review in the UK with proposals for major change. LIZ BOOTH reports

LAST week’s UK Court of Appeal decision to uphold a High Court ruling, made earlier this year - that leading paediatrician Professor Sir Roy Meadow was not guilty of serious professional misconduct after giving evidence that was later discredited - has reopened the debate over the use of expert witnesses in court.