From Invisible to Visible: Locating “Cultural Expertise” in the Law Courts of Two Finnish Cities

Abstract

In this chapter, I examine the informal cultural expertise utilised in the District Courts and Courts of Appeal of two Finnish cities. I argue that the parties that serve as providers of 'cultural expertise' are manifold, and include eyewitnesses, interpreters and even the courts themselves. I examine the challenges regarding the informal use of cultural expertise, drawing from debates that consider the relationship between an 'insider expert' and a 'trained expert' in acting as a cultural mediator.