ABA concurrent evidence survey

In November 2021 KordaMentha released a report based upon a survey undertaken in respect to the taking of expert evidence concurrently. The survey may be viewed here.

The survey noted as follows:

“The participants were generally very experienced; over 60% had more than 15 years’ experience in their current role and around 90% had experience in the superior courts. Nonetheless, over 60% of participants had less than 10 instances involving concurrent evidence, suggesting it still a relatively emerging method of examining expert witnesses.” 

“The survey indicated that there is overwhelming support for the use of concurrent evidence, however it is apparent there is no harmonised approach to dealing with concurrent evidence in Australia. Given the survey shows support for its use, and identified the advantages it can bring, there appears an opportunity to standardise its use through clearer guidelines” commented Owain Stone, Partner in KordaMentha’s Forensic team. 

Some of the key findings from the survey were: 

• 64% of participants saw an increase in the frequency of concurrent evidence of over the last five years. 
• Over 85% of participants agreed that concurrent evidence was a useful tool, although many noted it was dependent on specific expert issues (including the personalities of the experts) and the effectiveness of the joint expert process. 
• 90% of judges preferred concurrent evidence to traditional cross examination, with 50% of judges indicating there had been “much improvement” in concurrent evidence in the last five years, compared to just 8% of experts. 
• Participants indicated a strong preference for judicial involvement in the process, mostly with questions first asked by counsel, followed by the judge. 
• ​The agreed advantages of concurrent evidence are the clarity brought by the issues-based approach, and the increased efficiency of the process.  
• A common observation was a lack of consistency in application/process, and the survey identified a desire for a harmonised guide for concurrent evidence in the superior courts. 

Editorial note:  The editor acknowledges reference to “Bill Maddens WordPress” for this item.