Expert opinion evidence based on facial mapping and body mapping techniques is not admissible under s 79 of the Evidence Act 1995 (NSW) where the expert fails to reveal the process of reasoning linking the specialised knowledge to the opinion expressed, or where the technique (particularly body mapping) has not been shown to constitute an area of specialised knowledge. Evidence of similarities between photographs remains admissible, but conclusory opinions that two sets of photographs depict the same person, expressions of the level of support on a scale, and characterisations of features as 'unique identifiers' require a demonstrated foundation in specialised knowledge and an exposed reasoning process. The word 'knowledge' in s 79 connotes more than subjective belief and unsupported speculation.
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