Who qualifies as an expert witness in legal proceedings?

The correct choice is individuals who have knowledge or experience about the case beyond what a layperson would possess. An expert witness is typically someone who has specialized training, education, or experience in a particular field relevant to the case, allowing them to provide testimony that can aid the court in understanding complex aspects of the subject matter. This could include doctors providing medical insights, engineers discussing technical standards, or forensic experts analyzing evidence. Their qualifications enable them to contribute valuable information that assists the judge and jury in making informed decisions based on their expertise.

Other options are limited in scope or specificity. Simply having a degree does not automatically grant someone the qualifications to serve as an expert witness, as the relevance and depth of the knowledge must align with the case details. Likewise, while legal professionals can be expert witnesses, they are not the only ones qualified; experts from various fields are often brought in for their specialized insights. Friends or acquaintances of the accuser are unlikely to meet the legal standards for expert testimony, as they lack the requisite specialized knowledge that differentiates an expert witness from a typical witness with personal connections to the case.