Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an expert witness?

An expert witness is an individual who possesses specialized knowledge or skills in a particular area that can assist the court in understanding evidence or determining a fact in issue. A key characteristic of an expert witness is their deep understanding and expertise in a specific field, which allows them to provide informed testimony related to that area.

While expert witnesses often are required to be capable of clearly explaining complex ideas in a way that laypersons, such as jurors or judges, can understand them, this knowledge does not necessitate a professional license in every state. Licensure requirements can vary significantly depending on the field of expertise and jurisdiction, which means that some expert witnesses may not hold licenses in every state where they testify.

Additionally, an expert witness can occasionally serve as a fact witness, as their expertise may lead them to have firsthand knowledge of specific events related to the case. However, the primary defining characteristic remains their specialized knowledge rather than licensure in all jurisdictions. Therefore, the assertion that an expert witness must hold a professional license in every state is incorrect and does not represent a necessary characteristic of their role.