§ 40.315 Rule 602. Lack of personal knowledge

A witness can only testify about things they actually know from personal experience. Before someone can share their account of an event, there has to be enough proof showing they really saw it, heard it, or experienced it firsthand. In other words, people can't testify about things they only heard about from someone else or just assume to be true.

The proof of personal knowledge doesn't have to come from the witness saying "I saw this myself." Other evidence can show the witness was in a position to know about the matter. For example, phone records, photos, or other testimony might establish that a witness was present at a scene, even if the witness never directly states this.

This rule matters because it stops people from guessing, repeating rumors, or making assumptions on the witness stand. It keeps testimony focused on facts the witness genuinely knows, which helps make sure the information the judge or jury hears is reliable.