In fast track, what is presumed regarding expert evidence?

• A. No expert will be used.
• B. Experts are only used for damages.
• C. A single joint expert (SJE) will be appointed.
• D. Each party can appoint any number of experts without coordination.

Answer: (C)

In fast track cases, the aim is to keep proceedings cost-effective and straightforward. The way expert evidence is handled reflects that: there is a presumption that a single joint expert will be appointed. This expert, agreed by both sides, provides one independent report on the disputed issues, helping to avoid competing expert opinions and reduce costs and delays. If the parties can’t agree on an SJE, the court steps in to appoint someone suitable.

This fits with why the other ideas aren’t right: there can be expert input when needed, not everything stops at no expert; expert witnesses aren’t limited to damages—they can address liability, causation, or other technical points as appropriate; and the process is designed to limit how many experts are involved, not to let each side appoint as many as they want without coordination.