Climate Change Professionals Witness

Professionals witnessing climate change are in a unique position to participate in the debate about global warming. They may act as advocates and stress a particular side of the debate,but they have a different obligation to the public than a citizen. As such,their witnessing must avoid bias and ensure that facts highlighted are accurate.

However,the practice of witnessing is not easy. There are practical constraints as well as political pressure. In particular,there are tensions between the obligation to serve the public and the responsibility to respect professional knowledge. In addition,professional witnessing requires a clear and persuasive communication style to engage the public. Tension is created by the need to be persuasive in public speech and the obligation to present expert knowledge responsibly.

Professional witnesses may be called to court as witnesses in criminal cases. The Procurator Fiscal,Reporter to the Children’s Panel,or other legal counsel may summon them. They may also be summoned by a defense attorney,family lawyer or child lawyer. In these situations,witnesses will receive formal notices requiring them to attend.

In certain cases,a professional witness may be called upon to testify. Their role is to interpret the facts in a case. They will be required to take oath before the court. This requires a clear understanding of their role and the GMC guidelines when giving evidence. The witness should be prepared to answer questions from the barristers in the courtroom.

Expert testimony is an important component of civil and criminal cases. Forensic experts often testify. Judges will benefit from their expertise in complex scientific issues. As such,these professionals are crucial in deciding the fate of a case. Each case is different and so the role of an expert witness can vary.

A comprehensive investigation of the opposing expert witness is standard procedure for litigators. An attorney could be held responsible if an expert witness is not vetted properly. It is important to research the topic and find thought leaders and respected professionals. The objective of conducting research is to have a clear understanding of the subject and determine if the expert opinion is helpful to the case.

Expert witnesses are required to establish a proper chain of custody for the evidence they provide. This chain of custody includes scholarly works,field studies and trainings that build a firm foundation of knowledge. In addition,they must prepare a report before trial,which allows the opposing party to cross-examine the expert.