Single Joint Expert - Shaun Hesmondhalgh
Expert Witness Specialising in Dangerous Dog Legislation
Shaun Hesmondhalgh, owner and director at The Way of The Dog Ltd is an expert witness specialising in Dangerous Dog Legislation. His ability to deliver compliant, impartial, well-constructed, comprehensible expert witness reports and give effective evidence in court. This ability allows him, where required, to support all parties during legal proceedings as a Single Joint Expert.
Shaun is a former Service Police Dog Handler, Police Dog Kennel Manager, and a former Crime Manager from the RAF Police Special Investigations Branch. He possesses a first-class BSc (Hons) in Canine Clinical Behaviour and a Professional Diploma in Education (Distinction). Additionally, Shaun is a Full Member of the Expert Witness Institute and is recognised by the Canine & Feline Behaviour Association as an expert witness. He is listed in the UK Register of Expert Witnesses and the National Expert Witness Agency directories.
By choosing The Way of the Dog Ltd, you are not only accessing an accredited and exceptionally qualified dog behaviour professional but also a close team of time served accomplished former criminal investigators who are highly qualified in the gathering and presentation of evidence.
Shaun Hesmondhalgh
What is an Single Joint Expert (SJE)?
A Single Joint Expert (SJE) is an Expert Witness that supports all parties (claimant and defendant) during legal proceedings. The joint approach replaces the need for respective parties to instruct individual experts. The aim being to reduce costs and improve the efficiency of expert testimony.
As an Expert Witness the Single Joint Expert offers their expert knowledge, experience, and opinion in the form of expert evidence to provide the court with opinion and facts that would fall outside the experience and knowledge of a judge or jury. The SJE is required to prepare an independent, objective, and unbiased report offering opinion on relevant issues to the Court and on behalf of all parties concerned.
The parties concerned in a dog related case jointly instruct a SJE. An example of where a SJE might be instructed is where parties are engaged in civil proceedings after two dogs have engaged in a fight and parties are seeking compensation. If parties cannot agree on which Expert Witness should be instructed, then the Court will decide. The appointment of a SJE is more common in the civil courts; however, a SJE can sometimes be employed in the criminal courts.
As Single Joint Expert must possess the requisite core competencies needed to fulfil their duty to the court professionally and with credibility. Core competencies include:
- Understanding of the law, regulations, and guidance governing expert evidence.
- Delivering compliant, impartial, well-constructed, comprehensible reports.
- Giving effective oral evidence in a tribunal or court.
- Participating constructively in discussions of experts.
- Creating good quality joint statements.
- Holding true to their expert opinion.
Why Choose The Way of the Dog?
By choosing The Way of the Dog Ltd you are accessing the knowledge and experience of an accredited and exceptionally qualified dog behaviour professional. Additionally, Shaun is an accomplished former criminal investigator who is highly qualified in the gathering and presentation of evidence. The assessment protocols developed by Shaun are thoughtful, relevant, and robust. His approach to assessment is routinely scrutinised in the courts and it withstands robust cross examination.
As an Expert Witness acting as a Single Joint Expert, Shaun’s methods ensure that every case and dog is assessed thoroughly and with impartiality.
For a full précis of Shaun’s experience and qualifications, MOD and related references please contact him directly using the details shown below. A Fee Engagement Letter will be made available upon an initial formal request to provide support.
Contact The Way of the Dog
For more information on our services please contact us using any of the following methods, or complete the form.
Email: shaun@thewayofthedog.co.uk
Telephone: 01204 450716
Mobile: 07917 203363
Want to know more about TWOTD?
At The Way of the Dog, we believe that all members of the dog training and behaviour industry should be transparent about their qualifications, experience, and knowledge. Find out more about The Way of the Dog Ltd, Shaun and his approach to dog behaviour and training by visiting the pages below.
Our Philosophy
How does TWOTD differ to other trainers / behaviouralists?
About Shaun - In Brief
An introduction from TWOTD’s founder
About Shaun - In Depth
Shaun’s experience and qualifications
Dog History
Shaun’s personal dog owning history