Ashworth Paralegal Practice Exam 2026 - Free Paralegal Practice Questions and Study Guide

An expert witness is an individual who possesses specialized knowledge, training, or experience in a particular field relevant to the case being tried. This person is called upon to provide their professional opinion or to interpret complex information, thereby assisting the court in understanding aspects of the case that require expertise beyond that of an average person.

In legal proceedings, the testimony of an expert witness plays a crucial role in helping judges and juries comprehend technical details that may influence the outcome of the case. This could include areas such as forensic science, engineering, medicine, or other specialized fields.

The other roles mentioned, such as a judge, juror, or attorney, serve different functions within the legal system. A judge makes rulings and decisions on legal issues, a juror evaluates the evidence presented during a trial, and an attorney represents the interests of their client. None of these roles fulfill the criteria for an expert witness, who specifically provides specialized insight or opinions based on their expertise.