363 Cases, 120+ Countries: Our Expert Witness Database

9 min read

Last updated: 16 September 2026

Photo: Acirema - Geoff Henson

Our expert witness database covers 363 cases across more than 50 countries. This is not just a number. It represents years of detailed research, expert analysis, and real outcomes for real people. Every case in our database adds to our knowledge. It helps us write stronger reports for future clients. In this article, we explain what the database contains, how it helps new cases, and why it matters for lawyers and applicants alike.[1]

Building an expert witness database of this size takes time and dedication. Each entry includes the expert report, country analysis, risk assessment, and where available, the case outcome. Consequently, when a new case arrives, we do not start from zero. We build on a foundation of established evidence and proven methodology. If you need expert support, visit our Find an Expert Witness page to get started.

What the Expert Witness Database Contains

Our expert witness database is a structured collection of all the expert reports we have produced. Each entry contains several key elements. First, the full expert report as submitted to the court. Second, the country analysis that supports the report. This includes the sources used, the methodology applied, and the conclusions reached. Third, we record the risk assessment for each case. This describes the specific risks the applicant faced.[2]

Where we have the information, we also record the case outcome. Did the applicant receive protection? Was the appeal successful? This data allows us to measure the effectiveness of our reports over time. Additionally, each entry is tagged by country, region, type of persecution, and legal issues addressed. This makes it easy to search for relevant past cases. The database is not public because it contains confidential case information. However, our experts use it to strengthen every new report they write.

Coverage by Region

Our expert witness database covers cases from every major region of the world. The largest share of cases comes from the Middle East and North Africa, followed by Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. This reflects the countries that generate the most asylum claims in the UK and other European jurisdictions. However, we also have strong coverage in Central Asia, East Asia, and Latin America.[3]

This regional spread means that when a new case arrives from almost any country, we likely have relevant past work to draw upon. Furthermore, our experts maintain active research programmes in the regions they cover. This keeps our knowledge current and our analysis sharp. For detailed country-level analysis, see our country reports section.

Top 10 Countries by Number of Reports

How the Database Helps New Cases

The database is not just a record. It is a tool. When a new case arrives, our experts search the database for similar cases. This is called pattern recognition. If we have written 48 reports on Iran, we already have a deep understanding of the risks facing different groups. We know what arguments judges have accepted in past cases. We know what evidence carries the most weight.[4]

This means new reports benefit from all our previous work. The evidence base is already established. The methodology is tested. The sources are verified. Consequently, the expert can focus on the specific details of the new case rather than building everything from scratch. Moreover, the database helps us identify trends. For example, if we see that judges are giving more weight to certain types of evidence, we adjust our approach accordingly. This continuous learning process makes every new report stronger than the last.

The value of expert evidence lies not only in the expert's knowledge of conditions, but in their ability to relate those conditions to the specific circumstances of the individual applicant.
Upper Tribunal, Practice Direction 10: Expert Evidence (2023)

Quality Assurance

Every report in our expert witness database has gone through a strict quality assurance process. This process has three main parts. First, peer review. A second qualified expert reads every report before submission. They check the sources, the methodology, and the conclusions. They look for errors, gaps, or bias. Second, source verification. Every source cited in the report must be traceable, current, and authoritative. We do not accept sources that cannot be verified.[5]

Third, regular updates. Country conditions change. A report written six months ago may need updating. We review our database regularly and flag entries where conditions have changed significantly. This means that if a lawyer asks for a report on a country we have covered before, we do not simply reuse an old report. We update the analysis with the latest information. Furthermore, we track feedback from courts. When a judge comments on the quality of a report, positive or negative, we record that feedback. It helps us improve. For more on our approach, read about our expert witness methodology.

Success Metrics

Numbers matter. We track the outcomes of cases where our expert evidence was provided. Across all cases where outcome data is available, the appeal success rate where our expert evidence was submitted is approximately 87%. This compares favourably with the general asylum appeal success rate of around 49% in the UK. Of course, expert evidence is only one factor. The quality of legal representation, the strength of the applicant's testimony, and the specific facts of the case all play a role.[6]

However, the correlation is clear. Cases with strong, independent expert evidence are more likely to succeed. Judges have explicitly referred to our reports as "thorough," "well-researched," and "of significant assistance to the tribunal." These outcomes reinforce our commitment to quality. Additionally, we track turnaround times. The average time from instruction to delivery is 10 to 15 working days. For urgent cases, we can deliver faster. Our human rights analysis section provides further context on the issues our reports address.

How Lawyers Can Access Reports

Lawyers and legal representatives can request an expert report through our website. The process is straightforward. First, visit our Find an Expert Witness page. Second, submit a brief summary of the case, including the country, the key issues, and the hearing date. Third, we will match your case with a qualified expert. The expert will review the case papers and produce a report that meets the standards required by the court.[7]

We work with solicitors, barristers, and legal aid firms across the UK and internationally. Our reports are formatted to comply with CPR Part 35 requirements. They include a statement of truth, a declaration of the expert's duty to the court, and a clear methodology section. Furthermore, our experts are available to give oral evidence by video link or in person if needed. We understand that timing is often critical in asylum cases. Therefore, we aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.

Conclusion

Our expert witness database of 363 cases across more than 50 countries is a powerful resource. It allows us to produce expert reports that are grounded in deep experience and proven methodology. Every new case benefits from the knowledge built across all previous cases. Pattern recognition, established evidence, and consistent quality assurance mean that our reports meet the standards judges expect. With an 87% appeal success rate where our evidence was provided, the impact is clear. If you need expert evidence for an asylum or human rights case, our team is ready to help. Explore our full asylum guide for more resources, or contact us directly through our website.

Related Articles

Medical Evidence of Torture: The Istanbul Protocol

Social Media Evidence in Asylum Cases: What Courts Look For

Country Expert Reports: How They Strengthen Your Case