(cf SCR Part 39, rule 7; DCR Part 28A, rule 7; LCR Part 38B, rule 7)
(1) In any proceedings, the court may obtain the assistance of any person specially qualified to advise on any matter arising in the proceedings and may act on the adviser's opinion.
(2) Rule 31.53 applies to and in respect of a person referred to in subrule (1) in the same way as it applies to and in respect of a court-appointed witness.
(3) This rule does not apply to proceedings in the Admiralty List of the Supreme Court or to proceedings that are tried before a jury.