Evidence given by a witness who is not qualified as an expert but who testifies to opinions or inferences. • In federal court, the admissibility of this testimony is limited to opinions or inferences that are rationally based on the witness’s perception and that will be helpful to a clear understanding of the witness’s testimony […]
lay opinion testimony Read More »
A witness who does not testify as an expert and who is therefore restricted to giving an opinion or making an inference that (1) is based on firsthand knowledge, and (2) is helpful in clarifying the testimony or in determining facts. Fed. R. Evid. 701. [Cases: Evidence 470–503. C.J.S. Evidence §§ 509–523, 527–596, 610–612, 619,
Testimony based on one’s belief or idea rather than on direct knowledge of the facts at issue. • Opinion testimony from either a lay witness or an expert witness may be allowed in evidence under certain conditions. See opinion evidence under EVIDENCE. [Cases: Criminal Law 448–494; Evidence 470–574. C.J.S. Criminal Law §§ 853, 1050–1088; Evidence