What is the definition of an expert witness in legal settings?

An expert witness is defined as a specialist whose opinion is employed to provide insight into specific technical or specialized areas relevant to a case. This means that their knowledge goes beyond that of a layperson and is often backed by extensive education, training, or experience in a particular field. In legal settings, expert witnesses may provide testimony on topics such as medicine, engineering, finance, or other specialized domains that require an understanding that is not common among average witnesses. The input from an expert witness can help the court or jury understand complex issues, establish standards of care, or clarify technical details pertinent to the case at hand.

In contrast, a witness who has seen an event or incident refers to a factual witness, often called a lay witness, who can provide firsthand accounts of events but does not have specialized knowledge for drawing expert conclusions. An attorney represents a party in a case and advocates on their behalf but does not serve as an expert witness unless they have relevant expertise in the matter. Lastly, a judge is responsible for determining the admissibility of evidence and ensuring that legal proceedings are conducted fairly, rather than providing specialized opinions on the matter at hand. Thus, the role of the expert witness is distinct and critical in providing specialized knowledge that can influence the outcome of legal