Some expert opinions are an attack on common sense, says expert

Czech regulations since 2021 outline the requirements for expert opinions, but compliance remains inadequate. Jiří Závora, a forensic psychology expert, emphasizes that judges and lawyers must assess the validity of these reports without needing deep expertise in the field. The lack of proper scrutiny can lead to unreviewable opinions being accepted by courts, potentially affecting justice outcomes. The case of Viktorka, where expert opinions influenced custody decisions, highlights the system's flaws. The Ministry of Justice is now investigating a psychiatrist involved in this case for potential misconduct. Závora notes that while there is a push for improvement, many experts still do not adhere to the established guidelines, raising concerns about the reliability of expert assessments in legal proceedings.