Expert testimony to come under scrutiny
The quality of expert witness reports in the family courts was put in the spotlight at a Westminster Hall debate on 24 May.
Justice Minister Jonathan Djanogly said that the rules would be changed to ensure expert reports are only used when they are “necessary to determine a case”.
The Minister added: “Expert evidence will of course continue to be important in some cases to ensure a fair and complete process. Where expert evidence is required, we are working to ensure that it is of high quality and delivered promptly.
Head of the Civil Service Sir Bob Kerslake has announced that the new Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice will be Ursula Brennan. Sir Bob said her previous experience of working as a Director General at the Ministry of Justice will prove invaluable in helping the department deliver its ambitious agenda for reform. She moves after four successful years at the Ministry of Defence – first as Second Permanent Secretary and then as Permanent Secretary since November 2010.
One of the areas of practice attracting much attention in the world of the expert witness is also, according to reports in the legal press, attracting the attention of money launderers. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is an area of increased risk from criminals laundering money, as is litigation, the Law Society has warned.
Cancer Research UK-funded scientists have shown how a promising new class of drugs might be used to treat aggressive forms of pancreatic cancer, according to a study published in Nature.
The Clay Cross redevelopment scheme triumphed in the regeneration category last night at the prestigious RICS Awards 2012 in the East Midlands region.