Question

What are some topics or fields of knowledge for which the testimony of an expert would prove particularly valuable and to which lay testimony would probably not be permitted?

Answer 1

In any legal case, expert's opinions are valued over layman's opinions in various subjects. This is because the expert has more intensive knowledge on a subject than an average person and hence, he can provide a better, more reliable information on the topic. Some of the topics which require expert's testimony are:-

Identification of DNA - In many cases, DNA's of the deceased or of the perpetrator's which is left behind on the crime scene has to be identified. This can be done only by an expert and only his testimony would be accepted.

Comparing handwriting - In many fraud cases, signatures of people and their handwriting have to be compared. This can be performed only by an expert in the field.

Comparison of fingerprints - Fingerprints are a highly valuable form of evidence as every human has a different set of fingerprints which makes it unique. The fingerprint on a crime scene can be analyzed and testified only by an expert in the field.