When the Court has to form an opinion upon a point of foreign law, or of science or art, or as to identity of handwriting [or finger impressions] [Inserted by Act 5 of 1899, Section 3. For discussion in Council as to whether [finger impressions] include [thumb impressions,] see Gazette of India, 1898, Pt. VI, p.24.], the opinions upon that point of persons specially skilled in such foreign law, science or art, [or in questions as to identity of handwriting] [Inserted by Act 18 of 1871, Section 4.] [or finger-impressions] [Inserted by Act 5 of 1899, Section 3. For discussion in Council as to whether [Finger impressions] include [thumb impressions,] see Gazette of India, 1898, Pt.VI, p.24.] are relevant facts.

Such persons are called experts.

Illustrations

(a) The questions is, whether the death of A was caused by poison.

(b) the question is, whether A, at the time of doing a certain act, was, by reason of unsoundness of mind, incapable of knowing the nature of the act, or that he was doing what was either wrong or contrary to law.

(c) The question is, whether a certain document was written by A. Another document is produced which is proved or admitted to have been written by A.