What is a surprise witness typically limited to?

A surprise witness is typically limited to producing rebuttal or surrebuttal evidence. In legal proceedings, the primary use of a surprise witness is to challenge, contradict, or respond to the evidence that has already been presented by the opposing party. By definition, rebuttal evidence serves to counter specific assertions made earlier in the case, while surrebuttal is used to respond to the rebuttal evidence introduced by the other side. This function is particularly important because it allows the party introducing the surprise witness to clarify or negate points made by the opponent that could influence the jury's perception.

In contrast, the other options entail roles or actions that do not align with the intended purpose of a surprise witness. For instance, a surprise witness typically cannot testify exclusively for one side, nor should they present entirely new and unrelated evidence that hasn't been disclosed during pre-trial processes. Furthermore, providing expert opinions is generally reserved for witnesses designated as experts who have been properly vetted according to the court’s procedural rules. This limitation ensures fairness in the legal process and maintains the integrity of the evidence presented to the jury.