What are the requirements for expert evidence in Queensland?

In Queensland, the requirements for expert evidence include the necessity for expert witnesses to disclose any conflicts of interest. This obligation is rooted in the principle of ensuring the impartiality and credibility of expert testimony in legal proceedings. By disclosing any potential conflicts of interest, the court can better assess the reliability of the expert's opinions, as any biases or external influences that might affect the expert's judgment can impact the evidence's admissibility and weight.

The obligation to disclose conflicts ensures transparency and maintains the integrity of the judicial process. An expert witness must act independently and provide objective opinions based on their expertise without influence from parties involved in the litigation. This requirement reinforces the expectation that expert testimony should serve the court and not the interests of the party engaging the expert.

In contrast, other options do not accurately reflect the established requirements for expert evidence in Queensland. Qualified expertise encompasses more than just academic titles and includes practical experience and skills. Oral testimony from expert witnesses is permitted and often forms a critical aspect of how expert evidence is presented. Lastly, while an expert may rely on certain types of information, hearsay without proper foundation typically does not meet the standards for admissibility in court. Thus, the focus on disclosing conflicts of interest is a distinct and essential requirement for expert