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Simple English definitions for legal terms
expert
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A quick definition of expert:
An expert is someone who knows a lot about a certain topic because they have studied it or have a lot of experience with it. They can give their opinion to help people understand something better. Before an expert can share their opinion in court, a judge has to make sure that what they say is based on good science or knowledge. This is called the Daubert test. The judge wants to make sure that the expert's opinion is helpful and reliable.
A more thorough explanation:
An expert is a person who has gained knowledge or skills in a particular subject through education or experience. They can provide an opinion that helps the fact-finder in a legal case.
For example, in a medical malpractice case, a doctor who specializes in the same field as the defendant doctor may be called as an expert witness to provide an opinion on whether the defendant doctor acted negligently. The expert's opinion can help the jury understand complex medical issues and make an informed decision.
However, not all expert testimony is admissible in court. The Daubert test is used to determine whether expert testimony is relevant and reliable. The test considers factors such as whether the theory has been tested, peer-reviewed, and accepted by the relevant scientific community.
Overall, an expert is someone who has specialized knowledge or skills in a particular subject and can provide valuable insight in a legal case.