YOUR SAY: COURTING TROUBLE

STOTTY is right. It's outrageous that Sir Roy Meadow, in his role of expert witness in the trials of mothers accused of killing their babies, should have been responsible for so many miscarriages of justice. But the more eminent the expert, the more danger that juries rely too much on their testimony.

There is not enough medical knowledge to put a figure on the odds of successive cot deaths being accidental and not deliberate - but if an expert such as Prof Meadow quotes odds, then a jury could take this as being indisputable. If other experts were allowed to give views then the risk would be reduced.

When there are contentious issues, perhaps a panel of experts could give a consensus view to the court, even if it meant the trial is prolonged. It is vital the jury gives its verdict after hearing impartial expert evidence. - Peter Francis, Chester

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