Definition of a Psychology Expert Witness
A Psychology Expert Witness is a qualified Psychologist who has become an Expert in their field by undertaking specialist training, additional study or gained extensive experience within a particular area. Examples of suitable criteria for validating the competence of a Psychology Expert Witness may include:
- Relevant graduate and/or post-graduate qualifications specific to the client / case in question
- Several years of relevant professional experience after initial qualification
- Articles having been published in recognised journals or publications relevant to the issues in hand
- Recent professional experience in the specialist area required for the case
Whilst many professional titles within the field of Psychology are legally protected e.g. Clinical Psychologist, the title of Psychology Expert Witness is not as it is not a formally recognised qualification or profession under the regulators or bodies for Psychologists. It is therefore imperative that any solicitor planning to instruct an Expert Witness Psychologist first establishes their qualifications and experience as well as their registration with any relevant professional bodies, such as the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or British Psychological Society (BPS), as they should be registered with one or more of these.
