Criminal And Disciplinary Liability Of Experts Under Qatari Law (Part One)

First: Expertise and Its Importance

Technical expertise is essential for resolving disputes that involve technical matters which cannot be adjudicated without resorting to expert opinion. In this regard, the Qatar Court of Cassation has ruled that, although the trial judge is considered the supreme expert in matters relating to a case, a judgment shall be invalid if the judge rules on technical matters which he could not have independently determined without seeking the necessary technical expertise.¹

The expert is considered an assistant to the judiciary, and his findings directly impact the judgment in a dispute. Accordingly, the Qatari legislator has paid particular attention to regulating the practice of experts. The current legislation governing this matter is Law No. 16 of 2017.