Essential body of legal knowledge

Abstract

With the escalating economic growth in construction activities around the world, construction disputes are on the rise again. The construction industry worldwide is on the lookout for better ways to resolve various types of construction disputes. To this end, the roles and functions of forensic engineers in assisting the appropriate resolution of such disputes are much more demanding than before. Knowledge about the legal process and expectations upon forensic engineers are equally crucial as technical knowledge in this regard. Many forensic engineers learn these by training, but some through unfortunate experiences and at the expense of their clients. To ensure the proper discharge of their duties to the parties and to the tribunals, there is a body of legal knowledge with which forensic engineers need to be equipped. Through exploring and studying cases and practices in the UK, Hong Kong and Australia, this paper reviews the essential legal knowledge and hence the protocol of conduct expected from forensic engineers in these countries. In addition, an attempt is made to highlight those issues to be considered by educators of forensic engineers in this regard. The ultimate aim is to provide a checklist of content for the body of knowledge to improve the overall education of forensic engineers in this field.