Conduct money is the minimal hororarium paid to subpoenaed
material (non-expert) witnesses at trial. You would not be obliged to
testify other than to facts -- you saw her , treated her, etc. You have
*no* professional opinion etc., because you are not being qualified as an
expert.
It is an outrage that you would be treated in this way and noone would
expect you to be a friendly witness in these circumstances. The lawyer is
almost acting against his clients interests by bringing a doctor into
court in this way. Was the Subpoena properly registered at the court and
ordered by a judge ?
You should threaten to formally complain to the lawyer's licencing body if
they don't promptly retract these instructions !
Mark Joyce, M.D. Tel:(4O3)239-3231
47 Crowfoot Way NW Fax:(4O3)239-3234
Calgary Alberta T3L 1X5 Canada Email:[log in to unmask]
On Wed, 28 Jan 1998, Iain L M Hotchkies wrote:
>
> I did a report on a woman a while back.
> Whiplash - uncomplicated.
>
> I have received a letter from the solicitors for
> whom I prepared the report. The case is going to
> court - bah! - I have to keep the day free and
> then they usually ring the day before to say that
> either the case had settled or that they have agreed
> the medical evidence - too late to cancel the locum
> or book any other work.
>
> Anyway, the letter this time says "We enclose a subpeana
> [sic] for your attendace together with a cheque for
> 20 conduct money."
>
> I've not come across this before.
>
> What is "conduct money".
>
>
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