Medical facts can be gibberish, yet a jury is expected to understand the nature of a person’s injuries or the effect of drugs or alcohol in their blood.

Every lawyer involved in a case of assault where there are physical injuries relies on someone else to interpret the injuries and if possible, comment on their causation. Similarly, a person in command of a vehicle involved in a fatal crash or a violent crime, may have a licit or illicit drug in their blood at the time. Someone else needs to interpret the effects they may have. This is where the art and science of clinical forensic medicine can assist.

The experts who are able to call themselves clinical forensic medical physicians are firstly doctors with general medical skills and qualifications. Many have additional specialist medical and legal qualifications. They have also studied forensic medicine at a Master’s level and have a good understanding of the expectations of the court. They are not advocates. The robust nature of their work is enhanced by their attention to detecting and avoiding bias in any case no matter whether their participation is at the request of prosecution or defence.

The team at Fidelis Forensics have spent many years conducting forensic medical examinations and providing expert opinions. They can negotiate the language of an extensive medical file or the complexities of drug levels and effects so that they give evidence in court in a way that is clear. Most importantly they have maintained familiarity with current research and opinion.

They also run tailored workshops for legal and medical practitioners that demystify healthcare hierarchies for the courts, and familiarise clinicians with courtroom processes. Their sessions answer key questions such as, how should medical experts be selected? What makes a good medical witness? Where can the process of medical witness testimony be improved?

The team at Fidelis Forensics now offer a wide range of expert services that be relied upon by the courts and both complainants and defendants.

When you contact the team at Fidelis Forensics, you will be speaking directly with one of the medical experts, not a third-party consultant. Visit https://fidelisforensics.org to find out more.