Missouri Jury Instruction — Expert Witnesses: A Comprehensive Overview Expert witnesses play a critical role in the legal system by providing specialized knowledge and opinions to assist the jury in understanding complex issues related to a case. In Missouri, the courts employ Missouri Jury Instruction — Expert Witnesses to guide jurors in evaluating the credibility and weight to assign to expert testimony. This instruction assists jurors in making informed decisions by outlining the standard criteria to consider when assessing the reliability and expertise of expert witnesses. Types of Missouri Jury Instruction — Expert Witnesses: 1. Missouri Jury Instruction — Expert Witness Testimony (MAI 9.10): This instruction outlines the general principles regarding the presentation and evaluation of expert witness testimony. It informs the jurors that they may consider the opinion and reasons given by an expert witness alongside the facts of the case and other evidence presented. Additionally, it emphasizes that jurors are not bound by expert opinions and may accept or reject them, in whole or in part, at their discretion. 2. Missouri Jury Instruction — Expert Witness Credentials (MAI 9.11): This instruction addresses the qualifications of an expert witness. It advises jurors to consider the education, training, experience, and specialized knowledge of the expert when determining their credibility. The instruction guides jurors to examine the expert's professional background, research, publications, and any other relevant factors that contribute to their expertise. 3. Missouri Jury Instruction Eyewitnesseses— - Non-Retained (MAI 9.12): This instruction applies when the expert witness has not been retained or specially employed by a party to the case but has voluntarily testified based on their own knowledge and experience. It clarifies that jurors should treat the testimony of such an expert witness like any other witness, evaluating its credibility and weight based on the inherent reliability of their knowledge and expertise. 4. Missouri Jury Instruction Eyewitnesseses— - Retained (MAI 9.13): This instruction specifically applies to expert witnesses who have been retained or specially employed by a party to the case. It emphasizes that jurors may consider the fact that a witness has been paid or employed by a particular party when evaluating the expert's credibility and determining the weight to give to their testimony. 5. Missouri Jury Instruction Eyewitnesseses— - Anatomical Modification (MAI 9.14): This instruction addresses cases involving expert testimony on medical issues concerning anatomical modifications or injuries. It guides jurors in considering the expert's qualifications, explaining complex medical concepts, and assessing the scientific soundness of the opinions presented. 6. Missouri Jury Instruction Eyewitnesseses— - Mental Examination (MAI 9.15): This instruction pertains to cases involving expert testimony regarding a defendant's mental state or mental examination results. It informs jurors that they should evaluate the expert's qualifications, the methodology used in the examination, and the credibility of the opinions provided. Overall, Missouri Jury Instruction — Expert Witnesses ensures that jurors have a clear understanding of the factors they should consider when assessing expert testimony. It allows for an informed and impartial evaluation of expert witnesses, enabling fair and just verdicts in Missouri's legal system.