CALIFORNIA EVIDENCE: CIVIL AND CRIMINAL
...Opinion & Scientific Evidence
......Expert Testimony: Qualifications
.........Qualifications of Expert
............Qualifications: Experience
9 Cards On This Topic:

Witness is qualified as expert if s/he has special knowledge, skill, experience, training or education to be considered an expert on the subject of the testimony.

Based on prof. experience, E could testify to general behavioral traits of child abuse Vs re delayed reporting; testimony probative as it rehab'd C's credibility after cross.

Criminalist's qualifications for making a shot sequence determination met EC §720(a) and EC §801(b) foundational requirements; not necessary that E's employment be specifically focused on shot sequence.

DA properly established that police detective was "familiar with the use of firearms," enabling him to offer opinion as to absence of shell casings pointing to use of revolver, not semiautomatic.

Investigator found competent to express opinion based on own experience as to whether equipment found in D's residence was associated with practice of medicine.

Dog trainer who had no academic training qualified as expert based upon occupational experience.

Qualification for testimony re fingerprint comparison may be based solely upon training and experience, with no particular degree required.

Experience in comparison of physical objects qualifies witness to testify; opinion of "similarity" of tire tracks sufficiently probative to be admitted.

Salesman for product may qualify as witness on value of product; need not be employed full-time as appraiser or have special training in appraisal.