Psychologists as Expert Witnesses in Criminal Matters in Courts in Pakistan

Abstract

This paper analyzes the role of psychologists as expert witnesses and its evidentiary value in the criminal matters in the courts in Pakistan. Under article 59 of Qanoon-e-Shahadat Order 1984, a psychologist can be an expert and his expert opinion is admissible in the court subject to the criteria laid down by this article. The scope of this paper is limited to the expert witness and expert opinion of psychologists in the form of evidence in criminal matters in the courts in Pakistan. The courts in Pakistan consider the testimony of psychologists as admissible when relevant. However, the probative value of the evidence presented by a psychologist depends upon his relevant qualification and the psychological methods applied in a particular case. The findings of this article have implications for psychologists, psychiatrists, jurists, judges, and lawyers.