An expert may state an opinion without testifying as to the underlying facts, and those facts may be inquired upon in cross. This is governed by which rule?

An expert may state an opinion without testifying as to the underlying facts, and those facts may be inquired upon in cross. This is governed by which rule?

• A. Rule 705
• B. Rule 704(b)
• C. Rule 801
• D. Rule 802

Answer: (A)

The main concept is that an expert can give their opinion without detailing every underlying fact or data on the stand, and those data can be explored later through cross-examination. This is set out in the rule that allows an expert to state an opinion and rely on the data or facts without first testifying about them; the facts can be questioned during cross, and the court may require disclosure if appropriate. This keeps expert testimony efficient while preserving the ability to challenge the basis of the opinion. The other rules cover different topics—hearsay and statements about ultimate issues—so they don’t address the specific mechanism of presenting an expert’s opinion with or without laying out the underlying data.

The main concept is that an expert can give their opinion without detailing every underlying fact or data on the stand, and those data can be explored later through cross-examination. This is set out in the rule that allows an expert to state an opinion and rely on the data or facts without first testifying about them; the facts can be questioned during cross, and the court may require disclosure if appropriate. This keeps expert testimony efficient while preserving the ability to challenge the basis of the opinion. The other rules cover different topics—hearsay and statements about ultimate issues—so they don’t address the specific mechanism of presenting an expert’s opinion with or without laying out the underlying data.