Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the definition of an 'Escalation Clause' in a legal agreement?
What is the definition of an 'Escalation Clause' in a legal agreement?
Which of the following best describes 'Conflict of Interest'?
Which of the following best describes 'Conflict of Interest'?
What does 'Arbitration' entail?
What does 'Arbitration' entail?
Which of the following accurately defines 'Discovery' in legal terms?
Which of the following accurately defines 'Discovery' in legal terms?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the role of 'Counsel' in legal proceedings?
What is the role of 'Counsel' in legal proceedings?
Signup and view all the answers
What should an architect do if contacted regarding a case involving a project they worked on?
What should an architect do if contacted regarding a case involving a project they worked on?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the legal obligation of an architect when summoned to testify by a party other than their client?
What is the legal obligation of an architect when summoned to testify by a party other than their client?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential consequence of an architect acknowledging responsibility in a case?
What is a potential consequence of an architect acknowledging responsibility in a case?
Signup and view all the answers
In what scenario might an architect find themselves in a future case after an initial dispute?
In what scenario might an architect find themselves in a future case after an initial dispute?
Signup and view all the answers
What might lead to an architect being targeted after the failure of a building assembly?
What might lead to an architect being targeted after the failure of a building assembly?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a critical first step for an architect before starting a project?
What is a critical first step for an architect before starting a project?
Signup and view all the answers
What should an architect record regarding the information they gather?
What should an architect record regarding the information they gather?
Signup and view all the answers
How should architects handle requests from clients who lack clarity on their needs?
How should architects handle requests from clients who lack clarity on their needs?
Signup and view all the answers
In what area should architects limit their opinions?
In what area should architects limit their opinions?
Signup and view all the answers
What is essential for an architect acting as an independent expert witness?
What is essential for an architect acting as an independent expert witness?
Signup and view all the answers
What should be disclosed in the expert witness report?
What should be disclosed in the expert witness report?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the main purpose of the architect assessing the information gathered during investigations?
What is the main purpose of the architect assessing the information gathered during investigations?
Signup and view all the answers
What can be a consequence of an architect expressing opinions outside their field of expertise?
What can be a consequence of an architect expressing opinions outside their field of expertise?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a key factor that enables an architect to express opinions confidently?
What is a key factor that enables an architect to express opinions confidently?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the architect's responsibility when faced with unclear client requests?
What is the architect's responsibility when faced with unclear client requests?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Architect as Witness
- Architects may be called upon to act as witnesses in court for a project they previously worked on.
- Architects should contact their professional errors and omissions insurer for advice before interacting with anyone involved in the case.
- Architects may be called to testify by a party other than their client.
- Architects are not legally obligated to speak to parties other than their clients.
- Architects are legally obligated to appear in court if summoned.
Documentation
- All pertinent project documentation, including information that may be unavailable later, should be identified and recorded.
- The architect should record the source of information, including:
- Where, when, and from whom information was obtained.
- The specific content of the information.
- The location and time of site investigations.
- Names and descriptions of relevant people and things.
Defining the Problem
- The architect must understand the client's objectives and expected course of action to assess the usefulness of their requests.
- Architects should limit their involvement to architectural matters, avoid speculating or offering subjective opinions outside their expertise.
Analysis
- The architect should conduct the investigative work themselves to be able to answer questions about the analysis.
- The expert witness report is generally written by the expert, but the underlying investigative work may involve a small team.
- The involvement of anyone other than the expert witness should be disclosed in the report.
- The report should accurately reflect the nature of the retainer and background involvement.
Formulating Conclusions
- The architect must assess the information gathered during investigations to determine if sufficient evidence exists to form a conclusion.
The Final Report
- The final report should be discussed with the client and their counsel to ensure it addresses the client's needs.
- The architect is ultimately responsible for the report and must not allow the client to influence its final form or substance.
- The introduction should explain:
- Who hired the architect
- The terms of reference
- The methods used to fulfill the commission
In Court
Giving of Evidence
- Architects acting as factual or independent expert witnesses should consult with legal counsel before engaging in court proceedings.
- Architects should thoroughly know the subject matter of the case and be familiar with all relevant documents.
- Architects should be prepared to answer questions that may differ from those anticipated.
- Witnesses should maintain a professional attitude, accompanied by sincerity and honesty.
Preparation for Appearance
- Architects should meet with the client's legal counsel to understand the implications of their testimony and the weaknesses of the case.
- Witnesses should avoid losing their temper or being rude toward cross-examining counsel.
Re-Direct Examination
- Re-direct examination may follow cross-examination.
- Counsel for the witness's client may ask additional questions to clarify points not previously raised or address impressions made during cross-examination.
Conclusion
- These guidelines should guide architects who are involved in court proceedings.
- Architects should contact their errors and omissions insurers when acting as witnesses.
- Independent expert witnesses should have adequate expertise and experience related to the subject matter.
- Architects should provide accurate and complete evidence, acting as witnesses, not advocates.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.