FSC239Y5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Exclusionary Rule, Informal Learning, Psychopathy
Document Summary
Expert evidence is the opinion of a person with expertise in an area that is relevant to a specific issue in a case and is necessary to assist the judge or jury. Generally a witness may not express an opinion, conclusion or deduction on matters calling for special skills or knowledge. Ordinary witnesses can express an opinion in areas such as: identity (voice or physical), speed, intoxication, handwriting, mental or emotional condition, and shoeprints. It is not a requirement that a person be formally educated in a particular area in order to be qualified as an expert, for such knowledge and expertise can be gained through study, practical experience or observation. The admissibility of [expert evidence] does not depend upon the means by which the skill was acquired. Your c. v. , your report, your testimony at the preliminary hearing, your testimony at the trial, your examination-in-chief and your cross- examination are all part of the same process.
