What is the ultimate issue rule 704?

Asked by: Dr. Daisha Pfannerstill IV  |  Last update: April 4, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (31 votes)

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 is the ultimate issue in an insanity case?

The "ultimate issue" in an insanity case refers to the final determination or conclusion that needs to be made by the jury or judge. This typically involves deciding whether the defendant was legally insane at the time of the alleged crime.

What is Mass rule of evidence 704?

An opinion is not objectionable just because it embraces an ultimate issue. This section is derived from Proposed Mass.

Can an expert testify to the ultimate issue in California?

Code, § 702.) Experts, however, are the exception. They can offer opinions outside the areas of knowledge of the average juror to help them understand the issues and reach an informed decision. This includes opinions on the ultimate issue of fact in a case, such as what caused the plaintiff's injury.

What is the new rule 702?

The amendment makes clear that the sufficiency of the basis of an expert's testimony is to be decided under Rule 702. Rule 702 sets forth the overarching requirement of reliability, and an analysis of the sufficiency of the expert's basis cannot be divorced from the ultimate reliability of the expert's opinion.

Crash Course Rules of Evidence - Rule 704 Opinion on the Ultimate Issue

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What is the Federal Rule of Evidence 704?

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 is the difference between Rule 701 and 702?

The Federal Rules of Evidence governing lay opinions and expert testimony—Rules 701 and 702 respectively—set forth the standards for admissibility of both categories of evidence. When testimony is “expert” in nature, it must comport with the stringent standards articulated by the U.S. Supreme Court in Daubert v.

What is an example of an ultimate issue?

An ultimate issue is the main question that needs to be answered in a legal case. It is the most important point that will determine the outcome of the case. For example, in a car accident case, the ultimate issue might be who was at fault for the accident.

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.

What is the 704b rule?

Federal Rule of Evidence 704(b) provides: "In a criminal case, an expert witness must not state an opinion about whether the defendant did or did not have a mental state or condition that constitutes an element of the crime charged or of a defense. Those matters are for the trier of fact alone." Fed.

What is the Supreme court rule 704?

Federal Rule of Evidence 704 addresses expert testimony about ultimate issues. Ultimate issues are matters for the trier of fact to determine. The rule at common law categorically prevented a witness from testifying about any conclusion about an ultimate issue. Rule 704 departs from the common law tradition.

What is the 707 rule of evidence?

2 Military Rule of Evidence 707 provides: (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the results of a polygraph examination, the opinion of a polygraph examiner, or any reference to an offer to take, failure to take, or taking of a polygraph examination, shall not be admitted into evidence.

What is the 901 rule of evidence?

Rule 901. Authenticating or Identifying Evidence. (a) In General. To satisfy the requirement of authenticating or identifying an item of evidence, the proponent must produce evidence sufficient to support a finding that the item is what the proponent claims it is.

What is the most difficult insanity defense to prove?

A defense of “temporary insanity” is difficult to prove. If a defendant asserts temporary insanity as a defense, they are claiming that: They were legally insane at the time of the alleged crime. They are lawfully sane now.

Can experts testify to the ultimate issue?

An “ultimate issue” is one that decides a legal theory of the case, or an element of it. Such issues can be issues of law or issues of fact. While an expert may opine on an ultimate issue of fact, they may not simply tell the trier of fact (whether judge or jury) what result to reach.

What are the 4 rules of insanity?

Courts will determine legal insanity by applying one of the following tests/rules:
  • The Model Penal Code Test.
  • The Durham Rule.
  • The Irresistible Impulse Test.
  • The M'Naghten Rule.

What are the four C's of expert witness?

GLG Law's David Solomon gives four characteristics to look for—clear communication, coachability, confidence, and candor. Ask a dozen lawyers what makes a dream expert witness, and you'll get 12 different answers.

What disqualifies an expert witness due to bias?

Expert Witness Bias Disqualification

When the judge has determined that the expert is swayed by evidence, injury or the client, he or she may be disqualified from providing evidence, testimony or a report on the matter. If the methods used are subject to a Daubert challenge, this could lead to disqualification as well.

What is the Frye decision?

This standard comes from Frye v. United States, 293 F. 1013 (D.C. Cir. 1923), a case discussing the admissibility of systolic blood pressure deception test as evidence. The Court in Frye held that expert testimony must be based on scientific methods that are sufficiently established and accepted.

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.

Can experts make legal conclusions?

Expert testimony that expresses a legal conclusion is improper. Thus, an expert is prohibited from offering his opinion as to the legal obligations of parties under a contract.

What is the meaning of ultimate problem?

Definition of Ultimate Problem

(noun) A universal human problem that exists in all societies or cultures.

Who is eligible for Rule 701?

To rely on Rule 701, the aggregate sales price of securities offered and sold during a 12-month period using this exemption must be at least one of the following: Less than $1 million in total value. Less than 15% of the total assets of the issuer (as of the most recent balance sheet date).

Can you ask a witness their opinion?

a) Lay witness opinions are the kind of conclusions, generalizations and characterizations that ordinary people make to communicate what they have seen. They are admissible as long as they are rationally based on the witness's perception and the characterization is helpful to a clear understanding of their testimony.

What is the rule of evidence 703?

Rule 703 permits an expert to base opinion testimony on personal knowledge, evidence admitted at trial, or evidence not admitted so long as it supplies the kind of facts or data that experts in the field “reasonably rely” on in forming an opinion.