Rule 702 - Testimony by Expert WitnessesA witness who is qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education may testify in the form of an opinion or otherwise if the expert's scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will help the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue.
EXPLANATORY NOTE Rule 702 was amended, effective 3/1/2007;3/1/2014. Rule 702 states the general rule governing expert testimony. Rule 702 was amended, effective 3/1/2007, in response to the12/1/2011, revision of the Federal Rules of Evidence. The language and organization of the rule were changed to make the rule more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. There is no intent to change any result in any ruling on evidence admissibility. SOURCES: Minutes of Joint Procedure Committee of April 26-27, 2012, pages 30-31; September 22-23, 2005, pages 2-6;6/3/1976, page 6; Fed.R.Ev. 702. N.D.R.Ev. 703 (Bases of Opinion Testimony by Experts).