Expert Witness

I believe that I would not make a suitable expert witness primarily due to my lack of experience and specialisation in the field.

Whilst I have my degree, I have not had enough time to gain experience and specialise in the field to which is required to become an expert witness (Rasmussen, & Leauanae, 2004). This is in direct violation of APES 215 which state that I must show professional competence and due care, which is achieved through specialised training, study or experience. It also goes on to state that I should evaluate before I accept the task if I have the required experience. After evaluation of the scenario I believe I do not have the required skills to complete this task.

In addition due to the size and importance of the case, there is a high chance that due to this lack of experience I will draw out the litigation process and may not even get paid due to my evidence being thrown out of court. It will be a waste of everyone’s time and falsely raise the client’s hopes and expectations. This will in turn both tarnish not only my own professional record but also the firm’s reputation.

I have accepted to do things in the past where I did not have enough experience to accept them whether to impress the person I was doing it for or I didn’t find experience necessary to do the task. Just like in this instance it turned to be a complete waste of time for everyone involved leaving me feeling embarrassed and the other party disappointed and in a desperate situation.

References:

Rasmussen, D. G., & Leauanae, J. L. (2004). Expert witness qualifications and selection. Journal of Financial Crime, 12(2), 165-171. http://search.proquest.com/docview/235993131?accountid=13380

Interesting Articles:

Expert witness' evidence thrown out of court and struck off medical registrar for erroneous evidence:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4637687.stm