Expert Opinion - Vs- Positive Evidence
"Finally we may point out that the expert admitted in his evidence that it was only by a chemical test that it could be definitely stated whether a particular writing was of a particular year or period.
He also admitted that he applied no chemical tests in this case.
So his opinion cannot on his own showing have that value which it might have had if he had applied a chemical test.
Besides we may add that Osborn on "Questioned Documents" at p. 464 says even with respect to chemical tests that "the chemical tests to determine age also, as a rule, are a mere excuse to make a guess and furnish no reliable data upon which a definite opinion can be based".
In these circumstances the mere opinion of the expert cannot override the positive evidence of the attesting witnesses in a case like this where there are no suspicious circumstances".-2015 S.C. (1963) MSKLAWREPORTS
"Finally we may point out that the expert admitted in his evidence that it was only by a chemical test that it could be definitely stated whether a particular writing was of a particular year or period.
He also admitted that he applied no chemical tests in this case.
So his opinion cannot on his own showing have that value which it might have had if he had applied a chemical test.
Besides we may add that Osborn on "Questioned Documents" at p. 464 says even with respect to chemical tests that "the chemical tests to determine age also, as a rule, are a mere excuse to make a guess and furnish no reliable data upon which a definite opinion can be based".
In these circumstances the mere opinion of the expert cannot override the positive evidence of the attesting witnesses in a case like this where there are no suspicious circumstances".-2015 S.C. (1963) MSKLAWREPORTS
