What is the rule 702 in Criminal Procedure?

Asked by: Tavares Morissette  |  Last update: August 13, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (54 votes)

Rule 702 requires that the expert's knowledge “help” the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue. Unfortunately, some courts have required the expert's testimony to “appreciably help” the trier of fact.

What is the difference between Daubert and Rule 702?

Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the United States Supreme Court held that the Federal Rules of Evidence, and in particular Rule 702, superseded Frye's “general acceptance” test. In Daubert, the court explained that the federal standard includes general acceptance, but also looks at the science and its application.

How did the Federal Rules for evidence Rule 702 affect forensic evidence?

The Advisory Committee considered various approaches to address unreliable forensic testimony and ultimately chose to amend Rule 702(d) to “emphasize that each expert opinion must stay within the bounds of what can be concluded from a reliable application of the expert's basis and methodology.” The commentary states ...

What is the rule 701 evidence?

Rule 701 permits a lay witness to testify in the form of “opinions or inferences,” subject to two important limitations: (a) the testimony must be “based on firsthand knowledge or observation” and (b) it must be “helpful in resolving issues” related to facts or testimony in the case.

What is the evidence Rule 702 in Ohio?

R. 702 employed the same language as is used in the Federal Rules of Evidence to define the admissibility of expert testimony. That language permits a witness with the appropriate expertise to testify as an expert if the testimony "will assist the trier of fact." Evid.

When can a witness testify as an expert? What does Rule 702 tell us?

21 related questions found

What is the Rule 702 evidence?

If scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue, a witness qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education, may testify thereto in the form of an opinion or otherwise.

What is the best evidence rule in Ohio?

Ohio Rule of Evidence 1002 provides that, To prove the content of a writing, recording, or photograph, the original writing, recording, or photograph is required, except as otherwise provided in these rules or by statute enacted by the General Assembly not in conflict with a rule of the Supreme Court of Ohio.

What is mass rules of evidence 702?

R. Evid. 702, reflects Massachusetts common law. The proponent of expert testimony must establish the foundational requirements for admissibility, and the judge, as the "gatekeeper" of the evidence, must make a threshold determination that those requirements have been met before the testimony goes to the jury.

What is the 701 rule of evidence in Ohio?

If the witness is not testifying as an expert, the witness' testimony in the form of opinions or inferences is limited to those opinions or inferences which are (1) rationally based on the perception of the witness and (2) helpful to a clear understanding of the witness' testimony or the determination of a fact in ...

What is the rule 704 evidence?

Rule 704 provides that a lay or expert witness may not be precluded from testifying to an ultimate issue if the testimony is otherwise admissible and it would be "helpful to the trier of fact." cases, dating as far back 1941, where the court allowed opinion testimony on an ultimate issue).

What are the new changes to the Rule 702?

On December 1, 2023, the Judicial Conference amendments to Rule 702 went into effect, 5 “clarif[ying]” that expert testimony may be admitted only if the court determines “that it is more likely than not that the proffered testimony meets the admissibility requirements set forth in the rule.” 6 The amendments brought ...

What can an expert witness not testify to?

(b) No expert witness testifying about the mental state or condition of a defendant in a criminal case may state an opinion about whether the defendant had the mental condition when committing the crime. Such ultimate issues are matters for the jurors to decide.

Which of the following is considered the most reliable source of forensic evidence?

Single Source DNA

Many states now have databases with DNA profiles of past arrestees, and the profile in question can be compared to others for a match. PCAST deemed single-source DNA a reliable forensic technique well supported by empirical research.

What is the Supreme Court Rule 702?

For this kind of generalized testimony, Rule 702 simply requires that: (1) the expert be qualified; (2) the testimony address a subject matter on which the factfinder can be assisted by an expert; (3) the testimony be reliable; and (4) the testimony “fit” the facts of the case.

What states still use Frye?

In many but not all jurisdictions, the Frye standard has been superseded by the Daubert standard. States still following Frye include: California, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

Which of the following is a criterion under Rule 702 of the Federal Rules of Evidence for an expert testimony to be admissible?

the expert's scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will help the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue; the testimony is based on sufficient facts or data; the testimony is the product of reliable principles and methods; and.

What is the 409 rule of evidence in Ohio?

RULE 409.

Evidence of furnishing or offering or promising to pay medical, hospital, or similar expenses occasioned by an injury is not admissible to prove liability for the injury.

What is the rule 34 evidence?

Rule 34(a) enables a party to produce and permit the requesting party or its representative to inspect, copy, sample, or test any designated documents or ESI—including drawings, writings, graphs, charts, sound recordings, photographs, images, and other data or data compilations.

What is the rule 43 evidence?

Rule 43-Taking of Testimony. (a) Form. In every trial, the testimony of witnesses shall be taken in open court, unless a federal law, these rules, the Federal Rules of Evidence, or other rules adopted by the Supreme Court provide otherwise.

What is a 702 motion?

By filing a motion for reconsideration or a renewed Rule 702 motion, litigants can leverage the recent amendments to firmly emphasize the gatekeeping role of the court to ensure that only relevant and reliable expert opinion is admitted into evidence.

What does hearsay mean in court?

Hearsay is an out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of whatever it asserts, which is then offered in evidence to prove the truth of the matter. The problem with hearsay is that when the person being quoted is not present, it becomes impossible to establish credibility.

What is Evidence Code Section 702?

(a) Subject to Section 801, the testimony of a witness concerning a particular matter is inadmissible unless he has personal knowledge of the matter. Against the objection of a party, such personal knowledge must be shown before the witness may testify concerning the matter.

What 3 things must evidence be to be used in court?

In order to be admissible, evidence must:
  • Be authentic.
  • Be in good condition.
  • Be able to withstand scrutiny of its collection and preservation procedures.
  • Be presented into the courtroom in specific ways.

What are the 4 rules of evidence?

Implementing the rules of evidence. The evidence used to make a decision about competence must be valid, sufficient, authentic and current.

What is the strongest form of evidence against a defendant?

The reading material proposes that one of the most grounded types of proof against a litigant is immediate proof. Direct evidence refers to evidence that directly proves a fact without the need for inference or presumption. It provides an unequivocal link between the defendant and the alleged offense.