Rule 701 — Opinion Testimony by Lay Witnesses

Fed. R. Evid. 701

• Source: Federal Rules of Evidence
• Rule: 701
• ARTICLE VII: OPINIONS AND EXPERT TESTIMONY
• Citation: Fed. R. Evid. 701

Text

If a witness is not testifying as an expert, testimony in the form
of an opinion is limited to one that is:
(a) rationally based on the witness’s perception;
(b) helpful to clearly understanding the witness’s testimony
or to determining a fact in issue; and
(c) not based on scientific, technical, or other specialized
knowledge within the scope of Rule 702.

Advisory Committee Notes

(As amended Mar. 2, 1987, eff. Oct. 1, 1987; Apr. 17, 2000, eff. Dec. 1, 2000; Apr. 26, 2011, eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)