Missouri Jury Instruction — 5.1 Expert Witnesses General Instruction is a set of guidelines provided to juries in Missouri courts to help them understand the role and significance of expert witnesses in a trial. Expert witnesses are individuals who possess specialized knowledge, experience, or training in a specific field relevant to a case. They are called upon to provide their professional opinions or analysis on matters that may require technical or scientific understanding beyond the comprehension of ordinary jurors. The main purpose of Missouri Jury Instruction — 5.1 Expert Witnesses General Instruction is to instruct jurors on the approach they should adopt when evaluating the testimony and opinions put forth by expert witnesses. It emphasizes that jurors should weigh the expert's credibility, qualifications, and the factual basis of their opinions in order to determine the weight and credibility to be given to their testimony. The instruction provides an outline of the factors to consider while evaluating expert witness testimony. Some key points covered in Missouri Jury Instruction — 5.1 Expert Witnesses General Instruction are: 1. Expert Witness Qualifications: The instruction highlights the importance of considering the qualifications of the expert witness, such as their education, training, and experience in the relevant field. Jurors are directed to assess whether the expert has the necessary background and expertise to provide valid opinions. 2. Expert Witness Testimony: Jurors are advised to evaluate the testimony of the expert witness by considering the reasons, facts, data, and methods used to support their opinions. The instruction emphasizes that jurors should determine whether the expert's opinions are based on reliable and accepted methodologies in their field of expertise. 3. Expert Witness Bias or Interest: The instruction also alerts jurors to the possibility of any bias or interest that an expert witness may have in the outcome of the case. Jurors are instructed to consider whether the expert's testimony may be influenced by personal or financial interests that could impact their objectivity. It is important to note that different types of Missouri Jury Instruction — 5.1 Expert Witnesses General Instructions may exist based on the specific context or legal requirements of a particular case. These variations may address additional factors or considerations relevant to the specific field or circumstances related to the expert witness testimony. In summary, Missouri Jury Instruction — 5.1 Expert Witnesses General Instruction provides guidance to jurors on how to evaluate the testimony and opinions of expert witnesses in a trial. By considering the credentials, testimony, and potential biases of the expert witness, jurors can make informed decisions about the weight and credibility to assign to expert testimony in reaching their verdict.