MAGISTRATES COURT OF TASMANIA
Practice Direction 1 of 2026
Coronial Division – Expert Witnesses Code of Conduct

Practice Direction 3 of 2020 is rescinded.

Purpose:

The purpose of this Practice Direction is to set out a Code of Conduct which applies to expert witnesses within the Coronial Division – Magistrates Court of Tasmania.

This Practice Direction (Code of Conduct) applies to any expert witness engaged or appointed to provide an expert’s report for use as evidence in a coronial investigation or inquest, or to give opinion evidence in a coronial investigation or inquest.

Background:

  • The Coroner may require an external expert to provide an opinion in relation to the investigation.
  • The expert evidence is to provide the Coroner with an objective and impartial assessment of an issue from a witness with specialised knowledge.
  • Experts providing evidence in the Coronial Division must agree to abide by the Code of Conduct attached to this Practice Direction as Attachment A.

14 October 2026.
CJ Geason
Chief Magistrate

Practice Direction 1 of 2026 Coronial Division – Code of Conduct for Expert Witnesses