Discuss the following statement: – In the United Kingdom the common law approach to the admissibility of expert opinion evidence is one of laissez-faire, with such evidence being admitted without sufficient regard to whether or not it is sufficiently reliable to be considered by a jury. The word limit is 1500   words (+/-10%). This excludes footnotes but includes quotations. The word count must be printed on the top right hand corner of your work. Remember: You must keep to the word limit of 1500 words You must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes As you construct and present your work, consider the assessment criteria Presentation Instructions It is your responsibility to ensure that your work is neatly and accurately presented. The work must be: Word-processed Single sided 1.5 or double line spaced Ariel 12 point font Justified Page numbered On A4 paper Margins left and right 3cm Stapled together at the top left-hand corner Attached to a cover sheet. Marks may be deducted for failure to follow these instructions.  Please look at the Student Guide to Assessment for more information. Referencing All academic writing must be referenced. If you use other people’s ideas without referencing them you are plagiarising their work. Either: Use the Harvard system of referencing within your text. This will take the form: surname, year of publication, page number, and is enclosed within brackets, for example (Bradley 1998, 277). At the end of your work you should provide an alphabetical list of all the works you cite. Or: Use the Numeric System of referencing within your text.  At every point in the text where a reference is made, insert a number (in brackets or superscript) and then list the references numerically at the end of your work, Plagiarism The use of work produced for another purpose by you, working alone or with others, must be acknowledged. Copying from the works of another person (including Internet sources) constitutes plagiarism, which is an offence within the University’s regulations. Brief quotations from the published or unpublished works of another person, suitably attributed, are acceptable. You must always use your own words except when using properly referenced quotations. You are advised when taking notes from books or other sources to make notes in your own words, in a selective and critical way. Submission The deadline for submission is 20th Nov 2014 Every attempt will be made to ensure that the work will be marked and available for collection by 9th January 2015 The assignmentis worth 40% of the total module assessment. Learning outcomes This assessment will test your ability to meet the learning outcomes as described in your module booklet, specifically: 1.  Demonstrate an understanding of the investigation methods for determining causes of fire and fire dynamics and the ability to apply these methods Demonstrate an understanding of fire investigation processes including the important roles and evidence associated with different fire safety agencies and personnel participating in fire investigation Analyse and critique a range of fire investigation reports from minor to major incidents Assessment Criteria For more information please see the marking guide at Appendix 1 Appendix 1 .  Marksforthe essay willbeallocatedin the followingmanner: Knowledge and understanding of the legal position relating to expert witness testimony 30% Use of case law 12% Analysis and discussion of the question. 30% Written communication 20% Presentation 8%