Rule · Federal Rules of Evidence

Fed. R. Evid. 701 — Opinion Testimony by Lay Witnesses

Fed. R. Evid. 701

Type
Rule
Source
Federal Rules of Evidence
Jurisdiction
Federal
Date
2026-10-22
Current through
Nov 3, 2026 (Office of the Law Revision Counsel)

If a witness is not testifying as an expert, testimony in the form of an opinion is limited to one that is: (a) rationally based on the witness’s perception; (b) helpful to clearly understanding the witness’s testimony or to determining a fact in issue; and (c) not based on scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge within the scope of Rule 702.

Citator

Fed. R. Evid. 701 — Opinion Testimony by Lay Witnesses is in force in the current edition of the Code, and nothing recorded condemns it.

If a witness is not testifying as an expert, testimony in the form of an opinion is limited to one that is: (a) rationally based on the witness’s perception; (b) helpful to clearly understanding the witness’s testimony or to determining a fact in issue; and (c) not based on scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge within the scope of Rule 702.