Expert evidence

Expert evidence is used when the court or authority needs knowledge outside ordinary legal or factual experience, for example in medicine, accounting, engineering, valuation or IT. In Swiss procedure, the expert is usually appointed by the authority and must act independently and impartially. Party-commissioned reports may be submitted but are often treated differently from court expert opinions. The expert clarifies facts or evaluates technical issues; the legal decision remains with the authority. Parties may comment on questions, challenge bias and respond to the opinion.