Judicial Appointment of Expert

Witnesses Whenever the judicial authority deems it neces- sary, on its own motion it may appoint any expert witnesses of its own selection. An expert witness shall not be appointed by the judicial authority unless the expert consents to act. A witness so appointed shall be informed of his or her duties by the judicial authority in writing, a copy of which shall be filed with the clerk, or the witness shall be informed of his or her duties at a conference in which the parties shall have an opportunity to participate. A witness so appointed shall advise the parties of his or her findings, if any, and may thereafter be called to testify by the judicial author- ity or by any party. A witness so appointed shall be subject to cross-examination by each party. The judicial authority may determine the reason- able compensation for such a witness and direct payment out of such funds as may be provided by law. This section shall not apply to appointments made pursuant to General Statutes § 54-56d. (P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 881.)