Of puppets and puppeteers: the role of the expert witness in a criminal prosecution in Canada.
This article explores the issue of reciprocal disclosure of expert evidence in Canada and the attendant responsibility of the expert witness to remain true to his or her own science. Two recent recommendations made to the government of Ontario in this regard are closely scrutinized. The author is critical of those who advocate the concealment of the existence of an expert witness until the last possible moment at trial and of those experts who are content to lie in wait. Additionally, the role of the expert witness in a criminal prosecution is examined to see if standard retainer agreements tend to stifle the quest for the truth.
Manarin
B
B
D003219:Confidentiality / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D008192:Deception; D004995:Ethics, Professional; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D009864:Ontario; D011287:Prejudice; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014342:Truth Disclosure