The need for expert evidence — based on a person’s training, study or experience — to assist in the determination of disputes has been with us for centuries.

Speaking to the New York Academy of Medicine in 1971, Madeleine Cosman identified a string of ‘medieval’ cases, the oldest of which was decided in 1354.

Four surgeons gave evidence critical of treatment provided by practitioner John le Spicer to patient Thomas de Shene for an “enormous and horrible hurt” to the side of the jaw.

The surgeons agreed that, had the practitioner’s treatment not been deficient, and had he called for advice and assistance in treating the patient, the condition would have been curable.