Who qualifies as a skilled lay witness in a court of law?

A skilled lay witness is an individual who, while not a qualified expert in the legal sense, possesses specialized knowledge based on their experience or training that is relevant to the case. This can include practical experience or educational background that enhances their ability to provide valuable insight into the matter being discussed in court.

This capacity allows the witness to testify about matters beyond general understanding, using their familiarity with specific subjects derived from their personal or professional background. For example, a mechanic might testify about the functioning of a vehicle based on years of hands-on experience, even though they are not formally recognized as an expert in automotive engineering.

This is distinct from merely observing an incident firsthand without any further qualifications. While firsthand observation provides factual testimony about what one saw, it does not automatically confer any specialized knowledge that would make a witness "skilled." Certified professionals in their fields or individuals with legal training may offer expert opinions or legal interpretations, but the term “lay witness” generally indicates that the person is not formally recognized as an expert in their field according to legal definitions.