ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Expert witnesses in English law

Imagine you and your friends are playing a game and someone breaks the rules. You want to prove that they did it, but you need someone to help you explain it. This is where an expert comes in. In English law, expert witnesses are people who know a lot about a certain topic, like doctors, scientists, or engineers.

When there is a dispute or a trial, the court might ask for these experts to give their opinion on the matter. They help to explain what happened, why it happened, and what it means. They also help the judge and the jury to understand things that might be complicated or hard to understand.

For example, if someone is accused of a crime and the evidence is complicated, like DNA or computer data, the court might ask for an expert witness who knows a lot about that particular field. The expert can explain to the court how the evidence works and what it means.

It's important to remember that expert witnesses are not there to take sides or to help one side "win" the case. They are there to provide their honest opinion based on the facts and evidence presented. This way, the court can make a fair and informed decision.