Single Joint Expert (SJE) directions appoint one expert instructed jointly by both parties. The expert owes the same paramount duty to the tribunal under Ikarian Reefer, regardless of joint instruction. Independence must be maintained throughout.
Joint expert meetings before hearings must be genuine — identifying areas of agreement and disagreement without collusion. Joint statements should reflect authentic expert positions, not negotiated advocacy.
SJE directions are common where identity, linguistic capability, or country conditions are disputed but the tribunal considers a single expert appropriate. Independent Country Expert provides SJE-qualified experts across the network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Single Joint Expert owe a duty to both parties?
No — the SJE owes a paramount duty to the tribunal under Ikarian Reefer, regardless of joint instruction. The expert must assist the tribunal, not either party.
When are SJE directions used for country experts?
Where identity, linguistic capability, or country conditions are disputed but the tribunal considers a single expert appropriate. Common in linguistic/clan identity disputes.