Expert Evidence: Law and Practice, 6th Ed by Tristram Hodgkinson | 2026

Expert Evidence: Law and Practice, 6th Ed by Tristram Hodgkinson | 2026

This comprehensive guide examines the law, practice, and procedures governing the admission and use of expert evidence in courts, tribunals, official inquiries, arbitration, and other legal proceedings. It is an essential reference for legal practitioners involved in preparing, presenting, or challenging expert evidence throughout the litigation process.

The book covers the role of expert evidence in both civil and criminal matters, explaining the general legal principles as well as their application in specific contexts. It provides practical guidance on pre-trial preparation, including issues relating to bias, privilege, confidentiality, and the circumstances in which expert evidence may be admitted.

Readers will also find detailed discussion on the examination and cross-examination of expert witnesses, together with guidance on the form and content of expert evidence, including evidence generated by scientific instruments, machines, and other technological devices.

The text explores expert evidence across a broad range of specialist fields, including psychology and psychiatry, forensic science, land and property valuation, actuarial and accountancy evidence, market research, mathematical evidence, and proof of foreign law. It also addresses expert evidence in various types of litigation, such as personal injury claims, construction disputes, intellectual property matters, criminal sentencing, drink-driving offences, obscenity cases, matrimonial proceedings, and cases involving children.

In addition, the guide incorporates key statutory provisions, procedural rules, and significant case law. It also includes comparative references to other common law jurisdictions, including Scotland, Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. The latest edition reflects recent developments in the law, including updated guidance on the admissibility and use of expert evidence in civil and criminal proceedings, the instruction of expert witnesses, judicial practice directions, and evolving interpretations of the Civil Procedure Rules relating to expert evidence.