Why Real-World Expert Witness Experience Matters: Lessons from Abbott & Ors v Ministry of Defence
Why Real-World Expert Witness Experience Matters: Lessons from Abbott & Ors v Ministry of Defence When two experts disagree, the court has to decide who to believe. The High Court judgment in Abbott & Ors v Ministry of Defence [2026] EWHC 941 offers a clear and informative example of exactly…
Read MoreFitness to Plead Assessments in the UK: What Legal Professionals Need to Know
Fitness to Plead Assessments in the UK: What Legal Professionals Need to Know When a defendant appears before a criminal court in England and Wales, the assumption is that they are capable of participating meaningfully in their own trial, however that assumption cannot always hold. Where there are concerns about…
Read MoreFamily Law Expert Witness Services: What You Need to Know
Family Law Expert Witness Services: What You Need to Know Family law cases are among the most emotionally challenging in the legal system. When children are at the centre of proceedings, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Solicitors, social workers, judges, and families all need clarity on complex psychological questions that…
Read More10 Tips for Choosing an Expert Witness in the UK
10 Tips for Choosing an Expert Witness in the UK Instructing an expert witness can feel like navigating unfamiliar territory, especially if it’s your first time managing a case requiring psychological or psychiatric evidence. The right expert can make the difference between a case that succeeds and one that doesn’t,…
Read MoreHow Partnering with Psychology Direct Works for Associates
How Partnering with Psychology Direct Works for Associates As a dedicated psychologist or psychiatrist, your passion lies in assessment, insight, and making a real difference. But often, the reality of independent practice can involve a surprising amount of administrative burden, chasing referrals, negotiating fees, managing paperwork, and even battling for…
Read MoreHow to Find a Qualified Expert Witness for a Legal Case
How to Find a Qualified Expert Witness for a Legal Case Navigating a legal case is rarely a stress-free experience. Whether you are a solicitor managing a complex caseload, or an individual finding yourself involved in family or civil proceedings for the first time, the pressure can be immense. At…
Read MoreIn The Pod: In Conversation with Sinead Cole & Chloe Beaumont
Behind every expert witness case is a skilled client manager who manages the many moving parts. In Episode 3 of “In the Pod, In conversation with,” we meet Sinead and Chloe, both Client Managers on Psychology Direct’s Expert Witness team. They discuss the realities of their roles, the biggest challenge…
Read MoreHigh Court Judge Issues Stark Warning About AI Use in Legal Proceedings
High Court Judge Issues Stark Warning About AI Use in Legal Proceedings A recent High Court judgment has sent shockwaves through the legal profession, with fake case citations generated by AI tools finding their way into court documents. President of the King’s Bench Division Dame Victoria Sharp, alongside Mr Justice…
Read MoreThe High Court Judgment That Renders an Expert’s Report “Unreliable”
The High Court Judgment That Renders an Expert’s Report “Unreliable” A recent High Court judgment in, Rebecca Hepworth v Dr Amanda Coates [2025], serves as a stark reminder that expert credibility can be destroyed by fundamental preparation failures. The case shows how even well-intentioned professionals can fatally undermine their evidence…
Read MoreADHD in Family & Criminal Law: What Every Solicitor Needs to Know
ADHD in Family & Criminal Law: What Every Solicitor Needs to Know Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is far more than just a childhood diagnosis. It’s a neurodevelopmental condition that profoundly impacts an individual’s executive functions, affecting attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. For solicitors navigating cases in family law and criminal law,…
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