Expert evidence insights for solicitors, barristers and medico-legal professionals. Explore multidisciplinary assessment, clinical chronologies, causation, prognosis and the limits of expert opinion, with a focus on uncertainty and differing findings.
Photo by Sora Shimazaki via Pexels The Mental Capacity Act 2005: A Complete Guide for Solicitors and Clinicians The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA 2005) is a cornerstone of adult safeguarding and individual rights in England and Wales. It provides a legal framework for assessing capacity and making decisions for individuals aged 16 or over…
Photo by RDNE Stock project via Pexels Section 37 of the Mental Health Act 1983: Hospital Orders, Restriction Orders and Sentencing Disposal Section 37 of the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA 1983) is a pivotal provision within the UK criminal justice system, allowing courts to divert mentally disordered offenders from custodial sentences into hospital for…
Photo by SHOX ART via Pexels Deprivation of Liberty Orders: Court of Protection Authorisation Routes Deprivation of Liberty Orders (DoLS) represent a critical intersection of clinical care, human rights, and the law. For UK solicitors acting in clinical negligence, personal injury, CICA claims, or inquests, a thorough understanding of these orders and the authorisation routes…
Photo by RDNE Stock project via Pexels Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards: Practical Examples and Medico-Legal Considerations Understanding Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) is essential for legal professionals handling clinical negligence, personal injury, and human rights cases. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA 2005) provides the statutory framework for DoLS, protecting individuals aged 18 and over…
Photo by August de Richelieu via Pexels Best Interests Decisions Under the MCA: Practical Examples and the Checklist In clinical negligence litigation, personal injury claims, and coronial inquests, disputes frequently arise concerning decisions made under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). These disputes often hinge on whether a best interests decision was lawfully reached, particularly…
Photo by August de Richelieu via Pexels How Long Can a Deprivation of Liberty Be Authorised For? The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), enacted under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA 2005), provide a legal framework to protect individuals who lack mental capacity to make decisions about their care and residence, where care arrangements amount…
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk via Pexels Choosing the Right Medico-Legal Expert in the UK: A Solicitor’s Decision Framework In clinical negligence, personal injury, and inquest proceedings, the quality of expert evidence frequently determines the outcome of a case. The Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) Part 35 impose stringent requirements on the admissibility and reliability of expert…
Photo by Vlada Karpovich via Pexels How to Become an Expert Witness in the UK: A Doctor’s Guide In clinical negligence litigation, personal injury claims, and coronial inquests, the quality of expert evidence often determines the outcome. For doctors considering a role as an expert witness, understanding the legal frameworks, clinical responsibilities, and practical steps…
Photo by www.kaboompics.com via Pexels The Purpose of an Inquest: What Coronial Investigations Are For (and Aren’t) In medico-legal practice, particularly in clinical negligence and personal injury claims, the coronial inquest often represents a critical juncture. For solicitors acting on behalf of claimants, defendants, or interested parties, understanding the statutory purpose of an inquest is…
Photo by khezez | خزاز via Pexels Single Joint Experts (SJEs): When the Court Orders One, and How to Instruct Them In clinical negligence litigation, the instruction of a single joint expert (SJE) is a mechanism designed to streamline proceedings, reduce costs, and promote agreement on technical issues. Under the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) Part…
