Joint Inspection
Definition
An examination of physical evidence attended by the experts for all parties under an agreed protocol. Joint inspection ensures that each expert sees the same evidence in the same condition and prevents unilateral destructive testing that would leave one party without access to critical material.
- Attendees
- Experts for all parties
- Governed by
- An agreed inspection protocol
- Purpose
- Shared access to evidence in identical condition
- Prevents
- Unilateral destructive testing
Common questions
Why is unilateral testing a problem for later proceedings?+
If one side destroys or alters material during testing without the other side present, the opposing expert loses the chance to examine the evidence in its original state, which can undermine confidence in any conclusion drawn from it.
What is typically recorded during a joint inspection?+
Photographs, measurements and a written account of what each expert observed and any testing performed, often countersigned by everyone in attendance.
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