What is the primary function of an expert witness in a trial?

The primary function of an expert witness in a trial is indeed to offer specialized opinions that are relevant to the case at hand. Expert witnesses possess specialized knowledge, training, or experience in a specific area and are called upon to help the court understand complex technical or scientific issues that laypersons may not grasp. Their opinions are based on their expertise and are intended to assist judges and juries in making informed decisions regarding those specialized aspects of the case.

This role is distinct from simply providing factual evidence about a case, which is generally the domain of fact witnesses who recount events they observed. Experts do not assess witness credibility; that responsibility typically falls to the judge or jury, who evaluate the reliability and truthfulness of testimony. Additionally, while experts might influence the outcome of a trial with their opinions, they do not determine the verdict, as that is ultimately left to the judge or jury based on the collective evidence presented.