sakkyndig

Sakkyndig is a Norwegian term that refers to a person who possesses specialized professional knowledge and is regarded as qualified to assess a particular matter. The word combines sak- (matter, case) with kyndig (knowledgeable). In Norwegian legal practice, sakkyndige are expert witnesses or expert evaluators relied upon to provide independent assessments in complex issues such as medicine, forensics, finance, or technical subjects.

In civil and criminal procedure, courts may appoint sakkyndige to prepare a sakkyndig vurdering (expert assessment). The expert produces a report, which may be supplemented by testimony in court and cross-examination. The court weighs the sakkyndiges’ opinions with other evidence; their conclusions are not binding but have significant persuasive weight. Parties to a case may propose or challenge the choice of expert, or request additional opinions. Experts are expected to be independent and free of conflicts of interest; their duties include transparency about methods, limitations, and potential biases.

The scope of sakkyndig work is broad: medical specialists providing psychiatric or neurological evaluations, forensic scientists, financial or valuation experts, technical engineers, and other professionals can be appointed. Outside court proceedings, the term is used more generally to describe individuals with recognized professional expertise in a given field, including in public administration and advisory contexts.

See also: sakkyndig vitne, sakkyndig vurdering, forensisk ekspert. The concept emphasizes professional qualification and impartiality in delivering specialized knowledge to inform decision-makers.