Rule 704 Opinion on an Ultimate Issue

Witnesses who give expert or opinion testimony can share their views on the main question in a case. For example, a doctor can say whether they think someone was injured badly enough to need long-term care, even if that is the key issue the court is deciding.

Before this type of rule existed, courts would sometimes block witnesses from giving opinions that touched on the final question the jury needed to answer. This rule removes that barrier so testimony can be more straightforward and helpful.

Keep in mind that this does not mean any opinion goes. Other evidence rules still apply, so a judge can still block an opinion if it is not based on proper facts or methods.