MEDICAL EVIDENCE IN COURTS

Early day motion 2892, tabled 31 October 2006 by John Hemming (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 16 members.

That this House welcomes the work of the Chief Medical Officer in relation to expert witnesses relating to medical issues, but expresses concern that medical professionals with conflicts of interest have been allowed to promote prosecutions such as that of Marianne Williams; notes with concern that a false diagnosis of chronic sexual abuse by a medical professional, followed by multiple unacceptable errors by social workers, in a recent case caused a family to be separated for some years when in fact there was no actual evidence of abuse; expresses its continuing support for opening up the family courts so that errors made by professionals are more readily detected and hence prevented and the consequent miscarriages of justice avoided; and calls for a review of the extent to which witnesses as to facts should be involved in Crown conferences in criminal cases.

Signatures by party: Labour 6, Liberal Democrat 5, Conservative 4, Respect 1.