HISTORIANS AS EXPERT WITNESS: QUALIFICATIONS & CREDIBILITY

Abstract

Goal of historians is to portray, whether in writing, lectures, speeches or otherwise, an ‘objective’ historical interpretation of the past events. A Historian’s methodology includes considering the conditions under which a specific source originated and giving reasonable explanation behind exercising exclusions and discretion. This research paper centrally focuses on the concept of Historians as Expert Witnesses in the Court of Law, their qualifications, methodology i.e., how the expertise is constructed and the credibility and valuations of such expert witness reports. The Author has thoroughly discussed about the criteria of ‘Contentious Historian’ in this context. The paper also has presented certain concrete suggestions in the regard of Historians who act as Expert Witnesses in the Court of Law.