Experts

When the court needs insight into a question in a specialized field, the court may appoint one or more experts in the case. There are no restrictions on the expert's field of expertise, or the degree of specialization within this field. The expert makes special competence available to the court, which would otherwise have been inaccessible or difficult for the court to obtain.

The expert is often appointed according to a proposal from the parties in the case, but the court may also appoint an expert on its own initiative. At the same time as the appointment, the court draws up the terms of reference for the expert's task.

An expert often presents a written statement, and he or she follows the proceedings and provides an explanation to the court. The expert's role is limited to the presentation of evidence for the court, and he or she does not take part during the court's deliberations when the case has been closed for judgement. The expert represents only himself or herself.

The rules about impartiality apply to the expert. It is therefore important for the expert to notify the court if there are any circumstances which might cast doubt upon the impartiality of the expert.

Experts are entitled to an allowance for their work as well as reimbursement of travel expenses and a subsistence allowance. A link to more detailed information in Norwegian about the allowance and travel expense report appears under "Related information" on the right.