There has been considerable interest in Mr Justice Collins’ decision in Meadow v General Medical Council (GMC) delivered in February this year. The case concerned an appeal by Professor Sir Roy Meadow against the finding by the GMC’s Fitness to Practice Panel that he was guilty of serious professional misconduct and should be removed from the medical register. The decision extended the immunity of witnesses from civil and criminal actions to disciplinary proceedings. Although decided in a medical context, it applies across all professions and so its effect will be far-reaching. The decision is subject to appeal, but its broad application will have an immediate impact on experts.
Public policy
