- PLANET
- 3.5 CPD POINTS
2024 QLD PLANET | Becoming an Expert Witness - Giving Evidence & Court Procedure
Expert witnesses are generally senior in their field of expertise, having a level of experience and depth of knowledge that reflects a broad and detailed understanding of their discipline. Based on their qualifications, training, experience and knowledge of the facts and circumstances of a case, expert witnesses are retained to give opinion evidence and/or scientific evidence aimed at assisting alternative dispute resolution procedures (such as mediation), and ultimately the Court in deciding a matter when it proceeds to a hearing.
This half-day course will examine the role of the expert witness and give practical advice on how to prepare evidence and assist the legal teams (instructing solicitors and barristers) on matters that within the appeal process.
For those interested in giving evidence in the Queensland Planning & Environment Court and Land Court, this course will cover the following topics:
- the role and obligations of an expert witness;
- things to consider before accepting a retainer to act as an expert witness;
- statutory requirements under the Planning and Environment Court Rules 2018;
- the appeal process generally;
- the preparation of written evidence (joint and individual reports); and
- giving oral evidence (preparation, tips and traps).
Designed for:
This half-day training programme is designed for Town Planners and other professionals interested in giving evidence in the Queensland Planning & Environment or Land Court, where retained on behalf of proponents, interested parties or for local or state government agencies.
Irrespective of the level of experience in your career, if you have no-to-limited court experience and are interested in being an expert witness, this programme will be of relevance.
Learning outcomes:
At the end of this course, attendees will:
- understand the steps in an appeal process and the role that an expert witness plays;
- know an expert’s duty to the court;
- have an appreciation of the Planning and Environment Court Rules 2018;
- have an improved appreciation of the structure generally adopted for court reports;
- understand the rules and etiquette that are relevant to the preparation of advice and evidence during the appeal process;
- be better prepared to provide expert evidence services when the opportunity arises;
- have had time to raise and discuss any questions about expert witness work with an experienced expert witness.
Presenter:
Jenny Morrissy MPIA
Jennifer, Director of Morrissy Town Planning Pty Ltd, is a recognised expert witness in Queensland's Planning & Environment Court. Her court experience includes the provision of evidence in merits appeals, declaratory proceedings and reporting on town planning matters relevant to valuation and compensation claim cases made to the Queensland Land Court.
Prior to becoming a consultant Town Planner, Jennifer worked in local government as a Development Assessment Council Officer. Jennifer has experience in assessing development applications and preparing planning reports for proposals of varying complexity over sites in different local authority areas in Queensland. In addition to her ‘DA’ experience, Jennifer has also had direct involvement in various strategic planning projects in the capacity of review, code drafting for and preparation of planning scheme amendments.
Jennifer's town planning practice currently focuses on the provision of expert witness services. Jennifer commenced on-the-job training as an expert witness by shadowing existing top tier Town Planning experts already well known to the Courts. Jennifer gave evidence in her first hearing to the Planning & Environment Court in 2010, and since then has steadily increased her knowledge and experience to now work in this space full time.
- Price
- $235 Members | $118 Student Members | $335 Non-Members
- CPD Points
- 3.5
- When
- Thursday 15 August 2024, 9.00AM to 1.00PM Registration starts from 8.30AM
- Where
- Colin Biggers & Paisley (Brisbane)
Level 35/300 George Street
Brisbane, QLD, 4000
- Registrations Close
- 13th Aug 24 11:55 PM