FRE · Rule 703
Rule 703 of the Federal Rules of Evidence governs the bases of an expert's opinion testimony, allowing experts to rely on facts or data that are not admissible in evidence if they are of a type reasonably relied upon by experts in the particular field.
Source: FRE Rule 703
An expert may base an opinion on facts or data in the case that the expert has been made aware of or personally observed. If experts in the particular field would reasonably rely on those kinds of facts or data in forming an opinion on the subject, they need not be admissible for the opinion to be admitted.
Experts can use information that isn't usually allowed in court to help form their opinions as long as other experts in the same field typically rely on such information. This means the expert's testimony can be based on a wider range of data to provide insights to the court.
The rule aims to ensure that expert testimony can draw from a comprehensive range of sources, thus enhancing the reliability and relevance of expert opinions presented in court. It also helps streamline trial processes by allowing experts to utilize necessary data without requiring all information to be admissible.
Experts are permitted to rely on evidence that may not be admissible in court, provided it is of a type reasonably relied on by fellow experts in their field.
Expert opinions can be based on facts the expert has observed or been made aware of, increasing the scope of permissible data for opinion formation.
This case established that the trial judge acts as a gatekeeper for expert testimony, assessing whether the methods used by experts comply with Rule 703's standards.
Clarified that the Daubert standard applies not just to scientific testimony but also to technical and other specialized knowledge, reinforcing the standards of reliability under Rule 703.
When preparing for exams, focus on how Rule 703 interacts with the admissibility of expert testimony and the implications of relying on inadmissible evidence. Expect questions that assess familiarity with the types of data experts may use.