45 - The engineer as an expert witness and the new civil procedure rules

Abstract

This chapter is directed at the younger Plant Engineer but can also be of value to the older Plant Engineer who has accumulated experience but has never acted as an expert witness. It describes the nature of the work of the expert witness and the procedure of establishing credibility. The senior, experienced engineers normally undertake expert witness work but with the development of new technologies such as computers and robotics much expertise can be found in younger members. There are two elements to expertise: academic knowledge and practical experience. It is not necessary to know of the latest research results but essential to know what practices have been employed over the years and have been proven to be reliable. In essence the wisdom of the expert witness is a combination the accumulated practical experience and theoretical knowledge. Engineers need to cultivate their experience, knowledge, and wisdom to extend their life cycle earnings and contribution to society. In this age of company restructuring the older employees are encouraged to retire earlier. Acting as an expert witness and assisting in the resolution of technical conflict is particularly appropriate in these circumstances and Governments are increasingly recognizing that it is appropriate for earning capacity to be extended.