What is the purpose of admitting opinion testimony in court?

Admitting opinion testimony in court primarily serves to aid in understanding technical matters that may be beyond the comprehension of jurors or the judge. This type of testimony is often provided by experts in specific fields—such as forensic science, medicine, or engineering—who can translate complex information into understandable terms. Their insights help clarify aspects of a case that require specialized knowledge, contributing to a more informed decision-making process for those involved in the trial.

While there can be elements of emotional argumentation or character assessments in other contexts, or even attempts to influence jury perceptions, the overarching goal of opinion testimony is to elucidate technical or specialized topics that are crucial to the case at hand. By bringing in expert opinion, the court seeks to enhance the factual foundation upon which the jury or judge can base their verdict.