Practice Direction 14 of 2024 – Expert Evidence in Criminal Proceedings was issued today by the Chief Justice.
One of the purposes of the Practice Direction is to enhance the quality and reliability of expert evidence relied on by the prosecution and the accused in criminal trials and pre-trial hearings in the Supreme Court of Queensland.
It is also intended to encourage the early identification of disputed forensic issues and help focus the expert evidence on those issues.
A three-month, lead-in period is intended to allow for all stakeholders to ready themselves for its implementation.
It was developed by the Forensic Evidence Working Group, comprising the Chief Forensic Pathologist, representatives of Forensic Science Queensland, Forensic Medicine Queensland and the Queensland Police Service, judges and legal practitioners (from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Legal Aid Queensland, Queensland Law Society and Bar Association of Queensland).
It will come into effect on 15 July 2024 and apply to all criminal proceedings in the Supreme Court commenced by an indictment presented on or after that date (other than sentences).
Further information will be made available via the Court to help the profession understand its practical application.
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