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Simple English definitions for legal terms

opinion rule

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A quick definition of opinion rule:

The opinion rule is a principle in evidence law that says witnesses should only testify to facts they have observed, not their personal opinions. This is because opinions can be biased and not based on facts. However, if a witness's opinion is based on their observations and can help the fact-finder, it may be allowed as evidence. Some people think this rule is outdated and excludes valuable testimony, but it is still an important part of the legal system.

A more thorough explanation:

Definition: The principle that a witness should testify to facts, not opinions, and that a nonexpert witness's opinions are often not allowed as evidence.

Traditionally, this principle is considered an important rule in evidence law. It is based on the idea that a witness who has observed data should provide the most factual evidence possible, leaving the jury to draw inferences and conclusions from the evidence. Under this system, the witness's opinion is unnecessary. Today, opinions are admissible if they are based on a witness's perceptions and helpful to the fact-finder.

Example: A witness in a car accident case can testify that they saw a car run a red light and hit another car. This is a fact that they observed. However, if the witness says that the driver of the car that ran the red light was reckless, this is an opinion and may not be allowed as evidence.

This example illustrates the opinion rule because the witness is providing an opinion about the driver's behavior, which is not a fact that they observed. The jury can draw their own conclusions about the driver's behavior based on the facts presented.

Example: In a murder trial, a witness who is a medical examiner can testify about the cause of death based on their examination of the body. This is an opinion, but it is based on their expertise and is helpful to the fact-finder.

This example illustrates that opinions can be admissible if they are based on a witness's expertise and are helpful to the fact-finder. The medical examiner's opinion about the cause of death is important evidence in the case.

opinion letter | opinion testimony

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medicine is a scam
join the ethically ambiguous legal field instead
Dkk
18:57
I want to meet an attorney that defends clients who run into flat earth problems. I want an attorney that knows and believes in flat earth theory.
19:05
i want a flat earther for president. i want a guy who posts on 4chan for president. i want someone who mogs for president.
Dkk
19:18
Exactly. My version of that awful poem.
Dkk
19:19
I can accept a president with maybe one or two of the poems traits hut good God, all of them??? No ty.
windyMagician
19:20
president who respects sex is crazy
windyMagician
19:20
we had bill clinton already
Dkk
19:21
Bill Clinton, first and last black president
windyMagician
19:23
I want to go running but my leg feels weird
windyMagician
19:23
it doesn't hurt its just tingly
Dkk
19:26
It needs more alcohol. You tingle when your nerves need watering.
19:27
try stretching it maybe to see what's up
windyMagician
19:27
stretches make me think it's just soreness
windyMagician
19:27
I'm sober lol
Dkk
19:38
Anyone else get the google notification that your LSD password has been compromised lol. LSD got hacked.
20:48
what.jpg @Dkk
CynicalOops
21:03
You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?
jackfrost11770
21:10
nope dk
CynicalOops
22:37
Calvinamala Harris
jackfrost11770
23:16
should i start using letterboxed again
Dkk
23:25
@jackfrost11770: if you want but like it aint for me
dk do u ever eat at bk
Dkk
23:48
@chickenburgahfart: I would do that in the Army if really desperate for food or if I had to work through lunch. One of the few fast food places I go to.
bk so slept on
Dkk
0:23
I will take In N Out everyday over it when I can though.
texaslawhopefully
1:22
In N Out is not only the best fast food place, but the prices too are fantastic
Dkk
1:27
Indeed, indeed.
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