Kentucky Jury Instruction — 5.1 Expert Witnesses General Instruction provides guidance to jurors on how to evaluate and assess expert witness testimony in a court trial. This instruction aims to ensure that jurors fully understand the role and significance of expert testimony, allowing them to make informed decisions based on accurate and reliable information. Expert witnesses are individuals with specialized knowledge, skills, or experience in a particular field relevant to the case. They are called upon to provide opinions or conclusions that may assist the jury in understanding complex or technical matters. However, it is crucial for jurors to critically evaluate the testimony of expert witnesses in order to determine its credibility and relevance. This Kentucky Jury Instruction emphasizes the following key points: 1. Neutrality and Impartiality: Jurors need to recognize that expert witnesses should not be biased or swayed by any side in the case. They should focus solely on presenting their educated and unbiased opinions based on their expertise and the information presented to them. 2. Qualifications and Background: Jurors should consider the expert witness's qualifications, including their education, professional experience, and expertise in the relevant field. This helps to determine whether the witness possesses the necessary background knowledge to provide credible opinions. 3. Expertise and Specialized Knowledge: Jurors must understand that expert witnesses possess specialized knowledge that exceeds that of an average person. Their input is intended to provide insights and interpretations that might not be readily available to the jury, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the evidence presented. 4. Basis of Opinions: Jurors should evaluate the foundation upon which the expert witness formed their opinions. This involves considering the sources of information, data, and methods used by the expert to reach their conclusions. The reliability and validity of the expert's methodology should factor into the jury's assessment. It is essential to note that while Kentucky Jury Instruction — 5.1 focuses on the general aspects of expert witness testimony, there may be other instructions that pertain to specific types of expert witnesses, such as medical experts or forensic specialists. These specific instructions may provide additional guidelines unique to the particular field or expertise of the witness.