The UGM Faculty of Law recently hosted an expert talk that discussed the role of academics as expert witnesses as expert witnesses in corruption cases. The event brought together faculty members and legal practitioners to examine the ethical, moral, and professional dimensions of academic involvement in complex corruption litigation.
Organized by the Legal Consultation and Assistance Centre and supported by the Task Force Team under the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, and Information Systems, the forum was held in the Agung Room at the Hyatt Regency on Friday, March 15, 2024. More than 30 participants attended, representing a diverse mix of backgrounds including university administrators, professors, lecturers, and legal practitioners.
In her opening remarks, Dean of the UGM Faculty of Law, Dahliana Hasan, S.H., M.Tax., Ph.D., underscored the importance of this discussion and reaffirmed the faculty's commitment to developing a comprehensive perspective on the role of lecturers as expert witnesses in corruption proceedings. Dr. Heribertus Jaka Triyana, S.H., M.A., LL.M., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, and Information Systems, served as moderator.
Fany Widyastuti, S.H., M.H., representing the Civil and State Administrative Division of the Yogyakarta Special Region High Prosecutor's Office (Kejaksaan Tinggi DIY), spoke from the perspective of a prosecutor. She highlighted that law enforcement officers expect expert witnesses to remain consistent in their testimony throughout court proceedings. This was reinforced by Muhtar Ali, S.H., LL.M., who explained that attorneys also go through a rigorous selection and qualification process when choosing expert witnesses. Consistency, he noted, what he called being "rock solid", is essential: an expert witness must hold a firm position and not be easily swayed by leading questions or misleading arguments commonly encountered in court.
The discussion was further enriched by contributions from professors and lecturers at the Faculty of Law, who highlighted the crucial role that academic expertise plays in clarifying complex legal issues and helping judges construct a sound legal framework on which to base their decisions.
The engaging discussion not only provided participants with a deeper understanding of courtroom dynamics in corruption cases, but also created a platform for exploring constructive solutions and policies that could help ensure justice in legal proceedings
The event concluded with an iftar gathering, giving participants an opportunity to continue networking and exchanging ideas.
Writer: Fadhila Ardianti
