Who is typically allowed to provide opinion testimony in a court proceeding?

Opinion testimony refers to a witness's interpretation or belief about a matter that is beyond the common understanding of a layperson. Typically, only expert witnesses are permitted to provide this type of testimony in court. Expert witnesses have specialized knowledge, training, or experience in a specific field that qualifies them to offer insights and opinions that can assist the court in understanding complex issues.

The requirement for expertise ensures that the opinions provided are based on reliable methods and sound reasoning. This standard helps maintain the integrity of the information presented to the jury or judge, as non-expert witnesses usually provide factual testimony based on personal knowledge or direct observation rather than opinions.

In this context, judges conduct the proceedings and juries evaluate the evidence presented but do not offer opinion testimony. Thus, the structure of legal testimony is designed to rely on the expertise of qualified individuals for opinions, thereby ensuring that the court's decisions are informed by credible and relevant insights.