Experts can be of great assistance to Magistrates and juries in aiding them to determine the issues in a case, including the guilt or innocence of an accused. Prosecutors will require the appropriate knowledge and understanding of the evidence in question to present and challenge expert evidence.

The purpose of this Guidance is to assist prosecutors in identifying, understanding and challenging, where appropriate, this type of evidence.

It should always be kept in mind that expert evidence is merely one tool to be used in proving a case. The danger in placing too much reliance on the findings of experts is demonstrated in a series of cases in relation to DNA analysis, where there was no other evidence against the accused save the presence of his DNA found at the scene of a crime. The Court of Appeal has emphasised that expert evidence can only be judged in the light of the other evidence in the case. In these cases, the absence of any other evidence, however limited, should have been fatal to the case being charged - see R v Doheny & Adams (1997) 1 Cr. App. R. 269 (at paragraph 372).

The dangers of an over-reliance on expert evidence without considering the significance of the other evidence in the case is a factor that prosecutors need to consider in reviewing any file presented by the police for advice and review.

Admission Requirements

1. At least a Bachelor's Degree in any specialty field, any certification granted by the Institute of Forensic Auditors (IFA) or a relevant professional qualification
2. At least 2 years of experience in the relevant field
3. Have no previous criminal conviction

Duration

Six (6) months.

Award

Upon successful completion of the certification exam, a candidate will be awarded the professional designation of a Certified Expert Witness (CEW).