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Experts and Lawyers: Surviving in the brave new world

International Institute of Forensic Studies
16 – 19 October 2005
Broome, Western Australia

Sponsored by UniSearch 

An invitation

Changes to the relationship between experts and the courts require a new approach from lawyers and expert witnesses. ‘Experts and Lawyers: Surviving in a brave new world’ conference will explore innovative solutions and how they can be applied in a practical context.

Monash University’s International Institute of Forensic Studies is pleased to invite you to attend this innovative conference, which is the third in its series. We aim to bring together experts and lawyers to discuss issues relating to expert evidence today.

The conference will:

  • Provide a forum for exchange of ideas between participants
  • Include a panel discussion/workshop
  • Examine the development of the new rules of court, single experts and joint conferences
  • Provide ample opportunity for discussion and social contact.

A message from the conference moderator

In recent years, especially after the judicial surveys in the area, many changes have been implemented to deal with some of the difficulties relating to expert evidence. New procedures, new rules of conduct and new requirements are being investigated. Issues concerning how many experts give evidence, how they are appointed and what is required of them are preoccupying the courts and the professions. The New South Wales Law Reform Commission is also making recommendations in these areas.

Where is this all going? Are the proposed, and already implemented, solutions dealing with real or imaginary problems? If there are problems, are the solutions appropriate? Do they create more problems than they are intended to cure? Will they realistically produce a more efficient system and at what cost, both conceptual and financial?

Is what is being attempted going too far? How can a better balance be achieved?

These and other topics will be the subject of discussion at this conference, between experts and lawyers.

Professor The Hon. George Hampel QC