4.08 Opinion Evidence (Expert Witnesses) The rules of evidence ordinarily do not permit witnesses to state their own opinions about important questions in a trial, but there are exceptions to these rules. In this case, you heard testimony from (state the name of the person(s) Because of knowledge, skill, who offered an opinion). (his)(her)(their) experience, training, or education in the field of (state the witness(es)’s field), permitted to offer a(n) opinion(s) in that (Mr.)(Ms.)(Dr.) (name) (was)(were) field and the reasons for opinion(s). (that)(those) The opinion(s) witness(es) state(s) should receive whatever (this)(these) weight you think appropriate, given all the other evidence in the case. In weighing this opinion testimony you may consider the witness’ qualifications, the reasons for the opinions, and the reliability of the information witness’ supporting the opinions, as well as the other factors discussed in witness’ these instructions for weighing the testimony of witnesses. You may disregard the opinion(s) entirely if you decide that (Mr.)(Ms.)(Dr.) (name)’s opinion(s) not based on sufficient knowledge, skill, experience, (is)(are) training, or education. You may also disregard the opinion(s) if you conclude that the reasons given in support of the opinion(s) are not sound, or if you conclude that the opinion(s) not supported by the facts shown by the (is)(are)
4.08 Opinion Evidence (Expert Witnesses) The rules of evidence ordinarily do not permit witnesses to state their own opinions about important questions in a trial, but there are exceptions to these rules. In this case, you heard testimony from (state the name of the person(s) who offered an opinion). Because of (his)(her)(their) knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education in the field of (state the witness(es)’s field), (Mr.)(Ms.)(Dr.) (name) (was)(were) permitted to offer a(n) opinion(s) in that field and the reasons for (that)(those) opinion(s). The opinion(s) (this)(these) witness(es) state(s) should receive whatever weight you think appropriate, given all the other evidence in the case. In weighing this opinion testimony you may consider the witness’ qualifications, the reasons for the witness’ opinions, and the reliability of the information supporting the witness’ opinions, as well as the other factors discussed in these instructions for weighing the testimony of witnesses. You may disregard the opinion(s) entirely if you decide that (Mr.)(Ms.)(Dr.) (name)’s opinion(s) (is)(are) not based on sufficient knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education. You may also disregard the opinion(s) if you conclude that the reasons given in support of the opinion(s) are not sound, or if you conclude that the opinion(s) (is)(are) not supported by the facts shown by the
2014%20Chapter%204%20final.docx