Can a Court appoint its own expert in a case?

A court can indeed appoint its own expert in a case under certain circumstances, making this the correct response. The authority for courts to appoint experts comes from various rules and statutes that recognize the court's obligation to ensure the fair administration of justice, particularly in complex cases where expert testimony is crucial for the court’s understanding of the issues at hand.

This practice typically occurs when the judge believes that impartial and specialized knowledge is necessary to resolve factual disputes that are beyond the understanding of a layperson. The expert appointed by the court can offer an unbiased perspective and help clarify technical matters that are relevant to the case.

There are procedural guidelines that govern when and how a court can make such an appointment, and it is often done in consultation with the parties involved. The court exercises discretion in these situations, ensuring that the appointed expert’s testimony is relevant, useful, and provided in a manner consistent with the legal standards and procedures.

The other options do not accurately reflect the legal framework guiding expert appointments. For example, saying that only parties can select experts overlooks the court's authority and responsibility to ensure a fair trial through impartial experts. Similarly, stating that an expert can only be appointed after trial contradicts the procedural stage where expert testimony is typically needed, which is often prior