Witness Training at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health

Paediatric input in public law proceedings is crucial in determining the cause of children’s injuries and we as a chambers are proud to be asked, each year, by the Royal College to assist in the training of paediatricians in giving evidence. The aim of the training is to re-create the family courtroom environment. Paediatricians are asked to provide a professional witness report in advance of the course from a choice of two case studies and the barristers act as examiner in chief and cross-examiner in a mock trial. A faculty member acts as the Judge. The evidence is followed by feedback and advice, which the paediatricians describe as invaluable. The day was both informative and good fun and chambers is extremely grateful to all those barristers from the different family sets across the country who gave up precious time to contribute and take part. A splendid and fun day was had by all.