This edition of the handbook is fully updated, includes several new chapters, and explains the way in which the courts, hearing proceedings relating to children, approach expert evidence. It aims to dispel misunderstandings and to help doctors and other related professionals to achieve an awareness and understanding of the important legal developments which have recently taken place. Accordingly the book aims to encourage more suitably qualified experts to take on this very important work. Sir Nicholas Wall brings together advice and comment on the respective roles of the expert and the judge, the general duties of expert witnesses, preparing reports and giving evidence in child proceedings, to produce an essential guide for expert witnesses, judges and legal practitioners. Includes a CD-ROM containing the updated Expert Witness Pack, revised by Dr Eileen Vizard, Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, NSPCC and Penny Cooper, Barrister, Associate Dean, The City Law School and Inns of Court School of Law