The MoJ must make urgent changes to fee rates and case management if it expects to rely on qualified and experienced experts to advise the courts, argues Richard Emery

In response to a 'widespread feeling
[among the judiciary] of not being valued
or appreciated for their work', the Ministry
of Justice (MoJ) has awarded top judges a pay rise that is six times the rate of inflation because 'the evidence available suggests that there is an emerging problem with recruitment and retention'.

So what, we must ask, is the MoJ doing about the growing concerns regarding the availability
of suitably qualified and experienced expert witnesses, who, like High Court judges, need to develop their expertise over many years?

I suggest that the MoJ needs to urgently consider four keys...

Jean Yves

IICJ

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