PARTICIPATION OF AN EXPERT IN THE HEARING OF A WITNESS IN CIVIL PROCEEDINGS –SELECTED PROBLEMS

Abstract

In the light of the Act of 4 July 2019 about the amendment of the Act – Code of Civil Procedure and some other acts, many changes are introduced in the regulations on evidence in civil proceedings. The analysis focuses on presentation and assessment of the effects of changes contained in the Art. 272 1 of the Code of Civil Procedure. This provision provides for the introduction of participation of an expert in the hearing of a witness in civil proceedings. If there is doubt as to the ability to observe or recollect observations of a witness, the court may decide that the witness will testify with the attendance of an expert physician or psychologist, and the witness cannot oppose this. The provision is based on the current regulation of Art. 192 § 2 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. After the amendment enters into force, many problems arise regarding art. 272 1 of the Code of Civil Procedure and the other new procedural solutions, such as omission of evidence or repetition of evidence proceedings.