Who is an Expert Witness?

Image: Gavin Stuart (Bartier Perry) cross examines Dr Ross Heisey (I&C)

This question was thoroughly investigated in the Expert Witness training program organised by UWS Innovation & Consulting at the UWS Moot Court House on the 23rd of February. Gavin Stuart, an experienced solicitor, from Bartier and Perry was the trainer for the day which was attended by twenty UWS academics and two visitors from the Forensic Accounting unit of the NSW Police. Dr Kerry Hudson, Director of UWS I&C, welcomed the participants to this inaugural training event which is the start of the UWS expert witness service. The presentation covered a range of topics such as the roles, regulation and responsibilities of an expert, expert evidence, engagement of experts, expert report writing, giving court evidence and the pitfalls to be avoided by expert witness.

Gavin found our own Dr Ross Heisey unflappable under a simulated cross examination as an expert witness in the Court. Finally he touched on the potential criminal and civil liability issues for experts.

If you want to know more about the program or accessing expert witnesses at UWS please contact UWS Innovation & Consulting on (02) 9685 9836 or by email at ip@uws.edu.au.