An expert witness is someone who has sufficient knowledge, training, and/or experience that can help a jury reach a determination on an issue of fact. Every state has its own laws addressing what qualifies a witness as an expert.
Under North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 8C Article 7. 1. Article 7, the following are the criteria for expert witness testimony:
- The testimony is based upon sufficient facts or data.
- The testimony is the product of reliable principles and methods.
- The witness has applied the principles and methods reliably to the facts of the case.