Expert Witness Register

Request an Expert Witness

If you are seeking an expert witness in the specialty of obstetrics and gynaecology please complete the form and return either by email or fax.

Expert Witness Request ( 62 KB)

Expert Witness Request ( 32 KB)

Register as an Expert Witness

Expert Witness Register

The RANZCOG Expert Witness Register provides an opportunity for Fellows to nominate an area of practice in which they are willing to provide expert medico-legal opinion. The Register facilitates contact between these Fellows and legal organizations seeking medico-legal opinion for specific obstetric and gynaecology cases.

Fellows can apply to be listed on the Expert Witness Register.

Fellows who apply for registration as expert witnesses must agree to abide by the RANZCOG Guidelines for College Fellows participating in the Expert Witness Register.

College lists are reviewed annually. Inclusion on the register applies for three years from the initial listing, with the possibility of repeated renewal at three year intervals.

Download the Expert Witness Register Application Form ( 106 KB)

Expert Witness Guidelines

The Guidelines for Fellows participating in the RANZCOG Expert Witness Register were endorsed by Council in 1990 and were reviewed at the July 2006 Council.

In order to be registered on the College Expert Witness Register, you need to read and declare your willingness to abide by the Guidelines.

Download the Expert Witness Register Guidelines ( 495 KB)

Expert Witness Framework

Framework for the Continuing Education and Professional Development of Fellows on the RANZCOG Expert Witness Register

This document has been prepared to assist Fellows on the RANZCOG Expert Witness Register to identify, understand, and comply with a range of issues relevant to their role as expert witnesses, including the responsibilities that are increasingly being imposed upon them by courts and tribunals in an endeavour to reduce the length, complexity and cost of litigation.

Download the Expert Witness Framework ( 425 KB)

Expert Witness Education Program

The RANZCOG CPD Committee has commissioned a legal firm to develop an education program for expert witnesses. All those on the register are encouraged to attend one medico-legal Expert Witness workshop every three years.

This program aims to ensure that Fellows are well informed of their responsibilities when providing expert opinion, and in particular, preparing high quality reports.

The RANZCOG specific workshop will include the following:

• The qualities of a well prepared report;
• Compliance with the legislation and court procedure rules;
• The language and style of the written report.
• The role of the Instructing Solicitor in briefing an Expert;
• Common problems with Expert reports;
• Evaluating Experts’ Reports; and
• Giving evidence and cross examination.

The above workshop is planned for late 2009 and at least two workshops are proposed for next year.

Contact

For more information about the Expert Witness workshops, please contact:

Mr. Jason Males

For more information about the Expert Witness Register, please contact:

Ms Tracey Wheeler

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