It may enhance the quality of the evidence, if the witness has some understanding of a challenge, what it may entail and prepare to respond. Opinion or expert testimony is permitted only if the court declares a witness to be an expert in a specified field. The declaration is made after the witness is sworn in and before testifying. Education, training, related experience and current knowledge are essential ingredients to be a credible expert witness. A declaration flows from two sources - the curriculum vitae and oral examination of the witness's credentials.
Oral examination is time consuming.
A precise, uncomplicated and simple curriculum vitae, available to counsel before attendance, may lead to the uncontested declaration of the witness as an expert, shorten or focus, oral examination. The curriculum vitae should include academic training, certificates and licenses, employment experiences and publications germane to the opinions to be expressed under testimony. If elaboration of qualifications is required, the court or counsel may ask for these during the declaration stage of the hearing. Written confirmation from counsel outlining the protection, should be obtained before testifying. The prepared expert witness will be objective and base opinions and interpretations on sound professional knowledge.