During the course of clinical practice, a doctor may be required to attend court and give evidence. A number of different courts including criminal and civil courts, coroner’s courts, and industrial tribunals may require a doctor to testify. A doctor may be required to testify as a professional witness, an expert witness or both. The prospect of appearing in court can be very daunting and is very different to normal clinical work. All doctors should be a member of a defence union and it is important to seek their advice early when engaged in any legal proceedings.
Below are a series of links to the main defence organisations and useful articles dealing with preparing and presenting evidence as well as attending court:
Defence Organisations
Medical Defence Union
Medical Protection Society
Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland
Support and help lines
Useful articles
