What does Rule 702 of the Federal Rules of Evidence allow?

Rule 702 of the Federal Rules of Evidence pertains to the admissibility of expert testimony in court. It allows individuals who possess knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education relevant to the subject matter of the testimony to serve as expert witnesses. This means that anyone who has relevant expertise, regardless of whether they hold formal certification or advanced academic degrees, can testify as an expert.

This rule operates on the principle that the information provided by an expert should assist the court in understanding the evidence or determining a fact in issue. Thus, the focus is on the relevant knowledge of the individual rather than formal qualifications alone, giving the court considerable discretion to evaluate an expert's qualifications.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of Rule 702. The rule emphasizes relevant expertise over mere certification, academic affiliation, or previous courtroom experience. Therefore, it permits a broader range of individuals to potentially offer testimony that could inform legal decision-making.